By Morgan Kacalek
With a growing increase in utilization of artificial intelligence among the younger generations, many have started turning to AI for therapeutic purposes. Platforms like Character.ai and ChatGPT provide spaces where anyone can chat with a “therapist” about whatever they want and receive feedback from the computer.
Author Lauren Silva at Forbes Health describes artificial intelligence as, “the ability of a computer to perform tasks typically done by humans.” She says, “AI systems are essentially technology that’s able to perform the same intellectual processes as humans, such as reasoning, learning, problem solving, and using language.” Artificial intelligence has developed rapidly over the last decade and sparked the discussions of whether or not AI will come with more problems than solutions.
Concerns associated with AI seem to be never ending, but perhaps the greatest concern that people have is “robot take-over”. Of course, as we see continuous advancements in technology so great that they begin to threaten the jobs of humans, there are going to be people who have their concerns. The increased use of AI for therapy among young people is a perfect example. Instead of interacting in person with a real human being, with a human face and voice, people are now turning to robots through a chat system.
While these concerns are important and extremely valid, we should also explore the possibilities of this new technology. AI therapy provides 24-hour service to help people when they need to talk through something while their therapist may not be available. Author Zara Abrams at the American Psychological Association explains, “In psychology practice, artificial intelligence chatbots can make therapy more accessible and less expensive.”
In addition to being accessible and cheap, these AI chatbots are also highly credible. Health correspondent at TIME, Jamie Ducharme says, “Early evidence suggests chatbots can deliver elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and other mental health tools well enough to reduce symptoms of depression and stress at least a little.” These are clearly not just any old robots. Artificial intelligence technology has developed to the point where they know and can be programmed to understand strategies that a therapist might use while working with a client.
Even though these bots may be credible, convenient, and inexpensive, there are still a few drawbacks that should be considered on this issue. The first problem is that using artificial intelligence therapy does not allow you to interact with a real human being. While you may be receiving credible information from the chatbot, you are still not getting the face-to-face human interaction that is so important. Author Emily Weatherhead from KMA Therapy even points out that, “you shouldn’t give out personal information to AI systems with no security in place.” Talking to a human therapist provides a much greater level of security than an online chatbot whose information can be accessed by anyone operating it.
AI therapy is also unreliable because you are unable to get a proper diagnosis from a robot. These robots may be great for talking through small, emotional issues, but in order to get a legitimate diagnosis for what could be a serious mental disorder, you need to be in contact with a credible, human therapist. Lastly, as much as these chatbots may seem to display empathy and compassion, it will never compare to the experience of talking to a human being who really cares about you. Any emotion displayed by a robot is synthetic and only created by its internal algorithms and commands.
Overall, using artificial intelligence for therapy purposes can be very beneficial. AI chatbots can be used to talk through situations and are readily available 24 hours a day, and can even provide advice based on elements of cognitive behavioral therapy. However, if you are looking for an authentic and reliable source of therapy, human therapists are the best option because they are capable of diagnosing patients with mental disorders that could be very serious. They are also more loving, empathetic, secure, and can talk to you in a way that no robot ever could.
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