Dong Whi Yoo presentation

Dong Whi Yoo, assistant professor in the Department of Human-Centered Computing at Indiana University Indianapolis, will present "Lived Experience Centered AI in Mental Health."

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential in mental health, offering solutions to critical challenges such as resource scarcity and lack of awareness. However, the rapid advancements and hype surrounding AI often marginalize the voices of those most impacted—people with lived experiences of mental health concerns. This talk examines how individuals with lived experience perceive mental health AI technologies and explores how to design solutions centered around their values and needs. First, I studied a federally funded mental health AI research project, examining how individuals with lived experiences were treated primarily as data contributors rather than as research partners. Building on these insights, I explore how meaningful collaborations with these individuals can inform the design of a schizophrenia relapse management tool. I also investigate the potential of large language models (LLMs) in supporting self-management of depression, focusing on the unique perspectives and priorities of those with lived experience. By centering these voices, this work highlights the need for inclusive innovation and reimagines the role of AI in the future of mental health.

Bio: Dong Whi Yoo is an assistant professor in the Department of Human-Centered Computing at Indiana University Indianapolis. His research investigates the sociotechnical implications of emerging technologies in medical contexts. His work appears in leading venues such as CHI, CSCW, DIS, JMIR Mental Health, and Internet Interventions, and has been supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). He holds a PhD in Human-Centered Computing and an MS in Human-Computer Interaction from Georgia Tech.