XPRIZE Foundation founder and executive chairman Peter Diamandis explores the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence (A.I.) on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Consider a scenario where a chatbot devoid of emotions interacts with a patient, posing the question, “How do you feel about that?”
This scenario could soon become a reality for individuals seeking mental health assistance, depending on their chosen path. For some, this reality may already exist.
The proliferation of A.I. in recent times has fundamentally altered the human experience. It has permeated various sectors, from the workforce to product design, and even supports healthcare professionals in identifying certain conditions before they are perceptible to humans.
Presently, certain A.I. platforms are advocating software that purports to function as a personal therapist, raising questions about its ability to establish genuine connections with individuals akin to human interactions. Can this technology be personalized to cater to individual needs? Is it equipped to address intricate or life-threatening emotional requirements? Conversely, could individuals misuse such tools for self-diagnosis or to evade professional assistance in the long term?
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Depression stands as a prevalent mental health challenge that is on the rise. (iStock / iStock)
“While A.I. has made significant progress in comprehending and interpreting human emotions, emulating the authentic human touch, empathy, and emotional bonding of a counselor poses a significant challenge. The nuances of human communication and empathy are intricate to encode into algorithms,” remarked Sergio Muriel, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Addiction Professional, and COO of Diamond Recovery Group in Florida, in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Individuals grappling with conditions like depression or anxiety may turn to technology to avoid societal judgment, believing it offers a stigma-free approach to mental health concerns.
A mere online search for a “chatbot therapist” or an “A.I. therapist” yields results featuring apps like Wysa – the anxiety therapy chatbot – or Elomia Health’s mental health chatbot.
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Artificial intelligence has revolutionized human perspectives on technology, influencing various aspects of life such as education, work, and consumer products. (iStock / iStock)
Muriel envisions several benefits arising from the integration of A.I. in mental health care, both for recipients of care and providers. However, he emphasizes the need for cautious utilization, suggesting it should complement professional care delivered by experienced humans.
“It represents an exciting evolution, introducing novel avenues for support and intervention,” he expressed. “While A.I. integration in mental health care offers potential advantages, responsible usage is paramount. A.I. can provide immediate, anonymous support, serving as a valuable resource for individuals hesitant to pursue traditional therapy. Nonetheless, it is crucial to ensure these technologies are employed responsibly to supplement, not supplant, human care.”
Highlighting its round-the-clock accessibility, A.I. technology prides itself on being constantly available at one’s fingertips, a feature it prominently underscores.
“No waiting rooms or appointments. Instant responses even during weekends or at 4 A.M.,” reads Elomia Health’s website, underscoring that 21% of users admitted they would not have engaged with anyone beyond A.I. due to fear of judgment.
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Furthermore, the platform incorporates additional safeguards, directing individuals to therapists or hotlines if there is a potential need for further assistance.
Muriel believes that such A.I.-based approaches are advantageous for triaging “low-risk” clients, aiding professionals in managing their caseloads effectively.
“[It can] provide fresh perspectives on mental health through data analysis and extend mental health services to underserved regions,” he elaborated.
“[However], there exists a risk of excessive reliance on A.I., potential privacy issues, and the absence of the nuanced comprehension derived from human interaction. A.I. is not yet capable of fully replicating the empathy and depth offered by a human therapist.”
Dr. Marc Siegel deliberates on the potential threat posed by A.I. to medical professionals.
Utilizing such software can lead to misdiagnoses, especially for individuals with a history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, relying solely on A.I.-powered mental health tools can be particularly hazardous, he cautioned.
While viewed optimistically by some as the future of mental health in medicine, the key message Muriel conveys is that technology should not be perceived as a substitute for human interaction but rather as a supplementary tool to simplify life.
“A.I. should ideally serve as an adjunct tool, not a replacement for human care,” he concluded.
