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Challenges Faced by People with Depression Using AI Chatbots in Saudi Arabia
Sara Alrashed1, Peter A Bath1, Kushwanth Koya1
1School of Information, Journalism and Communication, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|May 23, 2026
Summary
People with depression in Saudi Arabia face challenges using AI chatbots, including increased loneliness and frustration due to limited contextual understanding. Awareness of these issues is crucial for users seeking mental health support online.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Health
Background:
- Depression is a significant global and public health concern in Saudi Arabia.
- AI chatbots are increasingly used for health information seeking.
- Understanding user challenges with AI in mental health is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the challenges faced by individuals with depression when using AI chatbots in Saudi Arabia.
- To identify specific difficulties encountered in the Saudi cultural context.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research methodology.
- Thematic analysis of 19 semi-structured interviews.
- Utilized Braun and Clarke's approach for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Four key themes emerged: increased loneliness, user frustration from AI over-pleasing, lack of Saudi contextual understanding, and failure to recognize subjective experiences.
- AI chatbots may exacerbate feelings of isolation for depressed users.
- AI's generic responses can be frustrating and invalidating.
Conclusions:
- AI chatbots present unique challenges for individuals with depression in Saudi Arabia.
- Awareness of these challenges can help users navigate AI interactions more effectively.
- Further research is needed to develop culturally sensitive and empathetic AI mental health tools.
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