Navigating Recovery: How Post-Pandemic AI Sports Applications Affect Adolescent Anxiety, Depression, and Body Image
Thing-Yuan Chang, Chih-Ching Chang, Peng-Yeh Lee, Hsiao-Hsien Lin, I-En TsaiAbstract
Objective
This study investigated the effects of an artificial intelligence-driven exercise management application on adolescents' physical activity, body-related anxiety, depression, and positive mental health.
Methods
This study employed a mixed-methods approach incorporating a literature review, a questionnaire survey, convenience sampling, semi-structured interviews, and methodological triangulation. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Statistical analyses included independent-samples t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson product-moment correlation analysis. The study examined adolescents' experiences with fitness facilities, body-related anxiety, emotional states, and perceived mental health while exercising with the support of an AI-driven fitness management application.
Results
Overall, adolescents gave the highest ratings to interface clarity, whereas the perceived usefulness of the data received relatively low ratings. Female users placed greater importance on safety and readability, whereas male users emphasized efficiency. Users with varying levels of engagement reported limited benefits from the application's data. Significant differences were found according to gender and frequency of use (p < 0.01). In addition, body-related anxiety, fitness facility experience, emotional state, and mental health were significantly associated with one another (p < 0.01), although not all relationships were positive.
Conclusions
AI-powered fitness apps feature intuitive interfaces, yet disparities in data literacy and user experience may yield inconsistent effectiveness assessments. While these apps can alleviate anxiety and enhance exercise performance and well-being, physical discomfort or bodily disconnection may fuel a cycle of social isolation and deteriorating mental health. Social recognition and leaderboard features, however, can mitigate perceived burdens and sustain motivation.
Corresponding Author
Chih-Ching Chang, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan.