23.10.20255 minAI Blog

Using AI to Engage Students in Wellbeing Programs

University students constantly juggle academic pressure, financial worries, and the demands of their personal life. Numerous studies show that stress undermines wellbeing and learning outcomes (Räsänen et al., 2016, 2022). At the same time, traditional support, such as meetings with a psychologist or counselor, is not always available when students need it most. The need for new, accessible solutions is both timely and urgent.

This growing demand inspired a unique collaboration between the University of Jyväskylä and Annie Advisor. As part of the project, master’s students in psychology explored how AI-powered chatbots can support student wellbeing and study skills anytime, anywhere – offering a glimpse of how tomorrow’s student services could look.

Student Compass Meets AI

The University of Jyväskylä has developed Opiskelijan Kompassi (“Student Compass”), an online program proven to reduce stress and improve the users’ wellbeing skills. The program can be completed independently or with the help of a coach, but resources for individual guidance have been limited.

The new project asked whether a language model-based bot could step in as an additional support during the program, complementing the work of human coaches. The university contributed its expertise in online wellbeing programs grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while Annie Advisor brought its experience in building AI-powered bots.

From Idea to Testing, Powered by Students

The collaboration began in December 2024 with a Design Sprint, an intensive two-day co-creation process in Jyväskylä. Originally, Annie Advisor planned to build prototypes for students to test. However, the plan shifted after the first session: the students themselves started developing the prototypes.

This hands-on involvement was seen as uniquely valuable. Psychology students were not just testers but active designers and builders of the bots’ functionalities. They learned to design language model-based conversation bots, create prototypes, and iterate improvements. For many, this was their first experience with this type of project, yet they quickly adapted and gained new confidence.

For the students, the project offered more than just AI know-how – it was an empowering opportunity to apply their professional skills in a cutting-edge context.

From Skepticism to Curiosity

At the start, many students were hesitant about AI. Ethical questions and concerns about public attitudes toward wellbeing bots were raised repeatedly. Yet as the project progressed, skepticism gave way to curiosity and genuine enthusiasm. Participants were surprised to find that, with relatively little effort and time, they could create bots that performed effectively for their intended purposes. What began as a fear that AI might replace people gradually transformed into an understanding that it is, in fact, a supportive and empowering tool. By the end, those initial doubts had evolved into a recognition of AI’s potential as a valuable addition to the future of psychological support.

AI Supports Humans Rather Than Replaces Them

The project team shared a sense of cautious optimism about AI’s role in mental wellbeing. They agreed that it is possible to learn and practice various wellbeing skills with the support of digital tools, and that AI can be a valuable companion in this process. At the same time, they recognized that genuine human interaction remains irreplaceable. Rather than substituting for the connection between people, AI should serve as an aid that professionals—such as psychotherapists—can integrate into their work to strengthen the support they provide.

One of the greatest advantages identified was scale. While a psychotherapist may only be available for a limited time each week, AI can offer guidance and encouragement around the clock. It enables individuals to practice wellbeing skills whenever they wish, with chatbots ready to guide them through exercises and reflections at any moment. Alongside this optimism, the team emphasized the importance of scientific evaluation: every new tool must be carefully tested and proven effective.

A Glimpse of The Future of Student Wellbeing

The collaboration between the University of Jyväskylä and Annie Advisor demonstrates how universities and startups can collectively contribute to solutions that meet students’ everyday needs. For the future of student support services in higher education, it marks a shift toward accessible, personalized, and scalable wellbeing support.

The prototypes created during the project show how web-based wellbeing programs can be enhanced with AI guidance, for example by offering students a space for exercise reflection and personal values clarification. Many participants, who had initially shown little interest in AI, found themselves deeply engaged by the end—realizing how AI-assisted care could enhance rather than replace human support.

AI-powered chatbots are no longer just experimental tech projects—they are becoming integral to a smarter, more responsive student support ecosystem. Pioneering initiatives like this show that the next generation of psychologists isn’t just studying wellbeing; They are actively defining it by shaping the tools that will serve the future of wellbeing.

Interested in Collaborating?

If your institution or research group is exploring new ways to enhance student wellbeing, now is the time to connect. Together, we can co-create evidence-based, human-centered AI projects that make mental health support more accessible and effective for all. Get in touch with us!