“From utility to affective inclusion”: Leveraging Generative AI to support the emotional well-being of low-SES students

Students from low socio-economic status (low-SES) backgrounds often face “silent barriers” in higher education, including limited social capital and reduced sense of belonging. While generative AI (GenAI) is widely discussed as a tool for teaching and learning, its potential to provide emotional support for equity students remains underexplored. This project will investigate whether and how GenAI can provide emotional support for low-SES students. Using a mixed-methods design, the study will draw on surveys and interviews to explore how these students use GenAI for reassurance, what barriers they encounter, and what strategies can be developed to support more effective use. The project will generate both scholarly outputs and a brief practical guide.