Millennials and Generation Z young adults are texting at a rate of over 100 messages a day. Considering how embedded communication technology is within these populations, this study explores its connection with mental health and social support from the relational perspective (texting with friends and family) and professional support perspective (text counseling). From the relational perspective, stress buffering model was used to analyze how computer-mediated social support affects Millennials’ and Gen Zers’ mental health outcomes. From the professional support perspective, this study investigates the participants’ perceptions of computer-mediated counseling services, and the likelihood that they will engage in online therapy. Research results from 3,710 participants (N = 3,710) illustrate a significant moderating effect of computer- mediated social support on stress and depression. It is also negatively associated with social isolation and suicidal ideation. Further, participants are most likely to use text counseling as compared to phone call and face-to-face. A regression analysis shows perceived quality of text counseling/therapy is a significant predictor of likelihood of using text counseling/therapy. 

Keywords: computer-mediated social support, mental health, online counseling, texting therapy, generation Z, millennials