AI Chatbots Pose New Challenges for Mental Health support, Experts Warn
as artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, its role in mental health is under scrutiny. While AI chatbots offer potential benefits like 24/7 accessibility and cost-effectiveness, experts caution against viewing them as a replacement for human therapists, citing risks to critical thinking and social interaction.
Dr. Sarah O’Doherty, a clinical psychologist, highlighted the limitations of AI in replicating the nuanced understanding of human interaction. She emphasized that non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice, are crucial for therapists to accurately assess a patient’s state and guide their treatment. O’doherty advocates for teaching critical thinking skills from a young age to help individuals discern between factual information and AI-generated content, fostering a healthy skepticism. She also stressed the importance of accessible mental health services, particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis, to prevent people from relying on “inadequate substitutes” for professional help. While AI can be a valuable tool to support therapeutic progress, using it as a direct replacement carries significant risks.
Dr. Raphaël Millière,a philosophy lecturer at Macquarie University,acknowledged the potential utility of AI coaches,especially given the expense of human therapists. He noted that an AI coach available around the clock could guide individuals through mental health challenges or intrusive thoughts by coaching them through exercises. Though, Millière raised concerns about the long-term impact of constant, uncritical praise from AI chatbots. He suggested that humans are not accustomed to such interactions, which are typically reserved for the extremely wealthy or powerful. Millière also questioned how prolonged exposure to “sycophantic, compliant” AI companions-bots that never disagree, are never bored or tired, always listen, and are always subservient-might alter how future generations interact with other humans.
For support in Australia, contact Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636, Lifeline at 13 11 14, or MensLine Australia at 1300 789 978. In the UK,support is available from Mind at 0300 123 3393 and Childline at 0800 1111. In the US, call or text Mental Health America at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
