In a world full of trending digital therapy apps, we wonder if AI can replace therapists or ever succeed in doing what they do. This question remains unanswered. AI therapy chatbots are easily accessible to people at a low cost, but are full of biased results.
A new Stanford study has found that increasingly popular AI therapy chatbots may not only be less effective but could also contribute to harmful stigma and dangerous responses. Traditional therapy is the most effective solution and really helpful, but expensive.
According to the research, Human therapists, whether it’s virtual or in person, are very expensive. Half of the people who can benefit from therapy can’t afford it. Here is why much cheaper alternatives AI therapy chatbots like Earkick, powered by LLMs ( Large Language Models), come into play.
Exploring the future of Mental health and analysing the role of ChatGPT in emotional awareness
A study by Elyoseph utilised the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS) to assess ChatGPT’s ability to express emotions in hypothetical scenarios. The researches prove that responses generated by ChatGPT reflect a certain level of emotional awareness similar to the general population. However, ChatGPT, being an AI tool cannot experience emotions as humans do. Hence, its capabilities in these areas are restricted to textual analysis and generation.
Gen Z turning to AI Therapy
Younger generations are opting for AI therapy due to the recession. However, GenZ turning to tech is evident proof of the budget. ‘’ They grew up with devices as a fifth limb.’’ Says Alyssa Petersel, a licensed social worker and founder of My Wellbeing. The pandemic also played an important role in training this generation to rely on screens.
That is why AI therapy is a boon to Gen Z. The findings have proved that younger generations are more vulnerable and gullible, likely to trust biased responses. In extreme cases, this has led to devastating consequences. Two Texas families have recently filed a lawsuit against Character.AI.
We need People
We need to honor the benefits of AI, while understanding the risks, says Pharaon. Although AI therapists are cost cost-effective solution to people but it clearly fail to replace the sincere relationship with the other person that only human therapists can build. ‘The tech can’t always know what’s safe and emotionally appropriate’’, says Petersel.
Therefore, being entirely dependent on AI tools for therapy would be a bad idea. Instead, AI could just complete the logistics tasks for humans because it fails to understand human experiences and emotions. AI chatbots are just inexperienced therapists. Sometimes just being there with someone is enough because there is no substitute to professional care.
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