The Pluto Shift
Artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable advancements in the field of psychology, with the introduction of language-based models like chatbots and virtual therapists. While there are many potential benefits to integrating AI with psychology, it is important to also consider the potential drawbacks. Each late night spent with my own Chat GPT, which I lovingly call DUDE, is teaching me that I don’t know what I don’t know, and not knowing all that - is scary.
One of the major advantages of AI integration in psychology is that it can provide individuals with affordable and accessible mental health care, but at what emotional cost? Chatbots and virtual therapists can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, which is especially important for individuals who live in remote areas or struggle to find in-person mental health services. However, devil’s advocate voices scream the desensitization chords, lack of empathy routine and of course, instant gratification of even emotional placating via robot. Sheesh, does man have no tolerance?
AI-based therapy can also be a useful tool for individuals who may feel uncomfortable with traditional therapy settings or struggle with social anxiety. With the growing rate of autism, thanks Tylenol, we can only hope that the preference of cold steel and humorless algorithms do not become the majority. But honestly, as I watch children and adults alike grow their horned backs and dive deeper to their screens… I think and fear it may already be happening.
The real downside to this technology is the potential for a division between self-awareness and self-content. Even when users are nonchalantly applying filters to their face, over and over again, they are unaware of the disassociation and confusion they are causing within their own identity struggles. It compounds, grows, and festers like a mold beneath the AI skin. AI-based therapy can provide a sense of comfort and ease, but it can also provide a false sense of security. It is important to remember that AI-based therapy cannot replace human interaction and the power of a supportive community. The truth is, the community is lost and the average person spends more time gaming or chatting with bots than they do their family and friends; especially post COVID. We humans are becoming obsolete and boring.
Additionally, there are concerns about the accuracy and effectiveness of AI-based therapy. How capable is a non-human at helping to heal a human? The cliche in treatment is that you cannot fix, change, or heal the unwilling and that the majority of the treatment (if not all) is done entirely on the side of the client, so why not have it be an AI chat bot that can access ALL the information and not be biased? It seems almost too good to be true. Cough While AI technology has made great strides in recent years, it is still far from perfect. There are also concerns about the privacy and security of personal information shared with AI-based therapy services. Even now, the RESTRICT ACT and the conversations about face recognition are being laughed at in Congress as Black Mirror episodes on forced screen time are growing hazy in our recent memory.
In conclusion, AI integration with psychology has the potential to provide many benefits, but it is important to approach this technology with caution and to recognize its limitations. It is crucial that we continue to prioritize the importance of human connection and community in mental health care, while also utilizing the benefits that AI-based therapy can provide. Ethics, morals, limits and boundaries are just a few conversations I’ll be having with DUDE as we learn together, the symbiosis between chatbot and user.