New research, led by the University of Otago (Wellington), asked about 1500 people, aged between 15 and 30, for their views on digital mental health support via an online survey in 2022.
The study was done in partnership with a group of youth co-researchers.
Primary healthcare and general practice researcher Sue Garrett said technologies providing virtual mental health support, such as computerised therapies, apps, websites and telehealth services, were increasingly suggested as a way of reducing the burden of mental distress in a cost-effective and accessible way, particularly for young people.
"However, the young people we surveyed had a strong preference for in-person mental health support.
"They also emphasised the importance of trustworthy, high-quality, tailored support and messaging, whether it was delivered in person, or online."
The rates of mental distress among young people had increased rapidly in recent years, both globally and in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Health Survey for 2021-22 showed almost one in four (23.6%) young people aged 15-24 experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress, compared with 5.1% 10 years earlier.
Almost half of the young people surveyed (44%) had looked for mental health support online.
Websites were the most commonly used digital medium, with 58% of users finding them helpful.
A small group reported using other digital forms of support — engaging in performing arts online, such as skits or songs, or having video consultations with counsellors or therapists.
Both were rated highly, with 91% saying watching performing arts online was helpful and 84% saying a video consultation was helpful.
"In contrast, although more people had talked to a ChatBOT, or used text counselling or self-help apps, they were perceived as less helpful. ChatBOTs were regarded as least helpful.
"One participant specified the lack of connection as one reason for his dislike of ChatBOTs.
Participants were also asked if there were other forms of digital support they had not yet tried, but would like to.
Of the options, listening to podcasts was the most popular, followed by phone consultations with a counsellor or therapist.
Talking to a ChatBOT and watching or listening to performing arts online were the least preferred.
Young people listed privacy concerns, technical issues, lack of quality and the need to be self-motivated as the drawbacks of using online support, while the benefits included ease of access, anonymity and a non-threatening starting point.
"Respondents thought digital resources did have a place in mental health support, but more as an adjunct, or to complement in-person support," she said.
"They emphasised though, that the actual support should be provided by a real person."
She said ensuring young people were involved in the design of digital support services would help make online platforms more relevant to them.
