  Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated into everyday
technology, including news, education, and social media. AI has further
pervaded private conversations as conversational partners, auto-completion, and
response suggestions. As social media becomes young people's main method of
peer support exchange, we need to understand when and how AI can facilitate and
assist in such exchanges in a beneficial, safe, and socially appropriate way.
We asked 622 young people to complete an online survey and evaluate blinded
human- and AI-generated responses to help-seeking messages. We found that
participants preferred the AI-generated response to situations about
relationships, self-expression, and physical health. However, when addressing a
sensitive topic, like suicidal thoughts, young people preferred the human
response. We also discuss the role of training in online peer support exchange
and its implications for supporting young people's well-being. Disclaimer: This
paper includes sensitive topics, including suicide ideation. Reader discretion
is advised.
