Can AI replace therapy? How does the use of chatbots affect mental health?

#Can_AI_replace_therapy? How does the use of chatbots affect mental health?

More and more people are turning to AI to ease their hearts or seek personal counseling. And while this form of “virtual therapy” may seem effective, it falls short of the depth and understanding that professional help can provide.

Many people have made AI chatbots a safe environment where they can ease their hearts, express their feelings, and get quick advice when they need emotional support. However, the increasingly widespread use of these tools has brought major challenges to the field of mental health.

Although it is an easily accessible option that provides quick answers in specific situations, artificial intelligence cannot understand the complexity of emotions and cannot offer reliable clinical advice. In the case of addiction, anxiety, depression, or mental disorders, it is always better to turn to a doctor or psychologist who can take into account the whole context and individual needs that AI cannot understand.

What are AI chatbots and why can they not replace psychotherapy?

Chatbots are programs based on artificial intelligence that are designed to engage in dialogue with people and simulate human interaction. These tools have become part of everyday life and many people have made them their own “virtual therapists”, as they offer valuable information and suggest strategies for how to deal with emotions.

However, they are far from being able to replace real psychotherapy. Partly because they do not interpret emotions or detect risks in the same way as a psychologist does. They also do not offer human support and cannot understand each patient’s personal and social background, which is often crucial for successful treatment.

The advice, although it may sound convincing and can sometimes act as support for mental health, is not always accurate or appropriate for the specific situation. AI provides general information based on algorithms, which means that it is often superficial and not critical enough.

Chatbots do not delve into our emotions; they cannot perceive tone of voice, body language and other factors that are important for diagnosing and managing mental health problems.

What they can do, however, is listen whenever we need it, give general advice, motivate healthy habits, and act as an outlet for emotions.

Risks and limitations of using chatbots

There is growing concern among psychologists that many patients believe that AI can replace therapy. This belief is dangerous because it delays seeking professional help and creates a false sense of security in individuals who need specialized treatment. What other risks does it pose?

1. Unreliable advice

A new study published in the academic journal Frontiers in Digital Health shows that therapy chatbots can provide incorrect therapeutic information that is very dangerous for vulnerable groups. In this regard, the recommendation is that we use them as a complement and not as a replacement for professional care.

2. Risk of social isolation

The relationship between the use of AI chatbots and isolation is complex. In some cases, virtual conversations can make us feel less alone. However, according to some research, daily use of these tools can begin to replace human interaction, leading to less socialization and increased loneliness.

3. Low privacy and confidentiality

When we share sensitive information with a trained psychologist or therapist, confidentiality is guaranteed by an ethical and legal code that must never be violated. However, this is not the case with AI platforms when we entrust them with our personal data and personal situations.

The information shared can be saved, used to train AI models, made available to third parties, and even serve as legal evidence in complex cases. Even if you use the best VPN service that hides your IP address, any confidential information you voluntarily share can be stored and used.

4. AI Psychosis

In extreme cases, excessive use of chatbots can lead to “AI psychosis.” Although it is not a formal diagnosis, some people can exhibit delusions, isolation, emotional instability, and unhealthy psychological states caused by intense interaction with these tools.

This risk increases when people develop a long-term relationship with a chatbot and begin to perceive it as a conscious being that can understand their emotions. This can distort their perception of reality and create an emotional dependency.

Also read: Three of the biggest risks of artificial intelligence

Chatbots can bring potential benefits to mental health

Of course, not everything is negative. Chatbots like ChatGPT and Replika have revolutionized the way many people seek emotional support. All that is needed is an internet connection to have a space where we can share our thoughts, doubts and feelings, regardless of time and place. As long as we use them wisely, without letting them replace psychotherapy, we can talk about the following benefits.

1. 24/7 availability

The biggest advantage of these tools is that they are available at all times. With them, we don't have to make an appointment, fill out forms or tell another human being about embarrassing situations. In just a few minutes, we can tell them about our problems and receive recommendations that can help.

2. Economic accessibility

Conversations with artificial intelligence offer accessible and economic spaces for emotional support. This benefits those who have difficulty paying for psychotherapy sessions. Even in countries like Sweden, where a large part of the care is covered by a health insurance system, not everyone can afford it.

However, it is important to remember that this does not replace a professional therapeutic process. If it is a critical situation, such as a mood disorder, professional support is crucial.

3. Support

For people who live isolated or lack a strong support network, a chatbot can act as a “digital friend” that listens without judgment and provides company when needed. There are also studies that show that these tools can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and social anxiety.

4. Access to therapy chatbots

As AI develops, dialogue tools designed based on psychological methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, have also emerged, aiming to offer support with a more solid theoretical foundation. These platforms have become popular among young people seeking digital resources to express their feelings.

One example is Woebot, a chatbot created to help people deal with difficult emotions and thoughts through validated therapeutic techniques.

Read more: The connection between artificial intelligence and psychology

AI is here to make our lives easier, but we must be aware of its limitations. This is not to demonize chatbots, as they can be a source of support and relief in moments of loneliness. However, we should not place more trust in them than in medical or psychological care. In serious situations, it is best to seek help from a professional therapist.

Can AI replace therapy?

AI has been making significant strides in many fields, including mental health. However, whether AI can replace therapy is a nuanced question.

Can AI Replace Therapy?

AI has the potential to assist in mental health care but cannot fully replace human therapists. Here's why:

Emotional Intelligence: While AI can simulate conversation and even recognize patterns in behavior or speech, it lacks the depth of emotional understanding that human therapists bring. Therapy involves more than just offering solutions; it's about creating a safe, empathetic space where emotions are processed and explored.
Complexity of Human Experience: Human emotions, experiences, and mental health challenges are multifaceted. Therapists use intuition, experience, and personal judgment to address nuances that an AI might miss. AI lacks the ability to navigate the intricate layers of trauma, personal history, or unspoken emotions that a trained therapist can.
Relational Aspect: The therapeutic relationship is a key component of healing. Trust, empathy, and the human connection between therapist and client are powerful forces in the healing process. AI, even with its best algorithms, can't replicate the human connection that makes therapy so effective for many.

That said, AI has been integrated into therapy as a supplementary tool in a few ways:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Chatbots: These tools help people manage things like anxiety or depression by guiding them through evidence-based techniques. Examples include apps like Woebot and Wysa. While they can't replace a trained therapist, they can provide a helpful, accessible resource for people who need support between therapy sessions or those who can't access a therapist regularly.
Mental Health Monitoring: AI can help track moods, behaviors, and symptoms over time, providing therapists with valuable data to inform treatment. AI can also help identify early signs of mental health issues and alert individuals or professionals.

How Does the Use of Chatbots Affect Mental Health?

The effects of AI chatbots on mental health are still being studied, but some potential benefits and risks exist:

Benefits:

Accessibility: AI-based chatbots make mental health support more accessible, especially in areas with few therapists or for individuals who may be hesitant to seek traditional therapy. These tools are often available 24/7, making it easier for someone to access support when they need it.
Affordability: Therapy can be expensive, and many people can’t afford it or may not have insurance. AI chatbots provide a lower-cost alternative, although it's not a substitute for professional care.
Privacy: Some people might find it easier to open up to a chatbot because of perceived anonymity. It can also be a good entry point for people who might otherwise avoid therapy due to stigma or fear of judgment.

Risks:

Over-reliance: Relying too heavily on an AI chatbot for emotional support can delay or even prevent people from seeking professional help when they really need it. It's important to view chatbots as supplementary, not as a primary solution.
Lack of Personalization: AI chatbots use algorithms and pre-programmed scripts. This means they might miss important nuances in individual situations and fail to offer truly personalized care. They might also provide generalized advice that doesn't account for specific needs or personal history.
Emotional Impact: For some, chatting with a bot may not feel fulfilling or comforting in the long run. While a chatbot can offer advice or coping strategies, it can't provide the deep emotional connection or insight that a human therapist can.
Misuse of Data: Many chatbot services collect user data. Without proper safeguards, this could raise privacy concerns or lead to data being used inappropriately.

Conclusion

AI chatbots can be a useful tool for managing mental health, especially in situations where therapy isn't immediately available. However, they are not a replacement for human therapists, who can provide the depth of care, understanding, and connection that AI currently cannot. The key is to view AI as an augmentation of mental health care rather than a replacement, and always consider seeking professional therapy when needed.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you tried any mental health chatbots, or do you think AI has a place in this space.

By Samuel kermashani

0046735501680

samuel.ku35@gmail.com