Artificial intelligence continues to influence our daily lives as technology advances. These days, it’s used to help solve personal issues in addition to data analysis. AI chatbots are increasingly being used by people who need assistance with emotions, disputes, or personal problems. Although there are significant limitations, research indicates that AI can be helpful in some circumstances.
AI as a Conflict Mediator
Google’s DeepMind study provides an example of AI assisting in conflicts. They discovered that AI can facilitate consensus on difficult political and social issues. The AI was taught to identify points of agreement between opposing viewpoints and offer solutions grounded in common principles. AI can make people feel less separated and more open to communicating with one another, according to the study. This is particularly beneficial in highly polarised communities.
A major benefit of AI as a mediator is its ability to analyze large amounts of information without personal bias. Since AI doesn’t have feelings, it can avoid emotional judgments. However, AI cannot fully understand human emotions or the complexity of personal relationships, which can be a problem in tougher conflicts. An AI mediator can guide conversations but cannot replace the empathy that a human mediator can provide.
AI as a Supporting Emotional Tool
AI chatbots like ChatGPT are being used by more people to provide emotional support and advice on common problems. Chatbots can serve as a “friend” or “advisor” during stressful situations when it’s difficult to comprehend emotions or relationships. Speaking with a chatbot can be a simple way for many people to organize their ideas or come to difficult decisions.
Nevertheless, despite their potential benefits, AI chatbots have drawbacks. They frequently give you standard, basic advice like “think about your feelings” or “set your boundaries.” Effective problem-solving is not always aided by this type of guidance. Although chatbots can provide recommendations based on a wealth of online data, they are unable to fully comprehend emotions such as excitement, grief, or disappointment. There’s also a risk that chatbots might just tell us what we want to hear, making us less open to other viewpoints.
How AI is being used in mental health care?
Prediction and Detection: Machine learning enhances mental health care by improving prediction, detection, and treatment.
Digital Interventions: Smartphone and web apps personalize mental health care experiences.
Digital Phenotyping: Sensor data from digital devices provides insights into behavior and helps predict mental health conditions.
NLP for Mental Health: Natural language processing of texts and social media helps identify mental health states and supports therapeutic chatbots.
Chatbots and Virtual Agents: These provide accessible therapy options using techniques like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
Ecological Momentary Interventions: Mobile devices deliver real-time, personalized psychological interventions.
Precision Medicine: Precise diagnoses and tailored therapies address treatment delays and inefficiencies.
AI’s Drawbacks and Dangers in Social Roles
Despite its many benefits, AI poses concerns when used as a therapist or mediator. Even when AI seeks to be impartial, it can occasionally spread misunderstandings or stereotypes. Studies have indicated that ChatGPT may respond based on racial or gender preconceptions on occasion, which may influence users’ decision-making.
AI should be utilized with caution, according to ethicists, particularly when it comes to mental health. AI may be intelligent, but it cannot take the place of a therapist who is sensitive to the subtleties of human emotions and behavior. Ultimately, while AI can support therapy, it cannot take the place of in-depth human connection, which depends on emotional intelligence and trust.
AI as Support, Not a Replacement
In the end, artificial intelligence can be a useful tool for treatment and mediation, but it should be viewed as an addition to conventional techniques rather than a replacement. AI can assist us in challenging circumstances by providing insights and viewpoints that we might not have otherwise thought of. However, human relationships are the source of true emotional support and understanding, which AI is still unable to fully supply.
Sources:
- https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/10/22/1106041/would-you-trust-ai-to-mediate-an-argument/
- BuzzFeed News; Getty Images https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-03/31/14/asset/05acee81d104/sub-buzz-1338-1680271567-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto
- https://positivepsychology.com/ai-therapy/
- https://i0.wp.com/www.additudemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Woebot_Broadbent_1020x1080.jpg?w=1920&crop=0%2C0px%2C100%2C1080px&ssl=1
- Written with the help of ChatGPT
I agree that AI is a helpful tool, but it cannot replace human conversation. Chatbots can provide support, but they don’t understand real emotions. We must be careful not to become dependent on artificial intelligence instead of building genuine relationships. The section on stereotypes was particularly intriguing. Theoretically, AI should be better than us, but in reality, it still makes the same mistakes as ordinary humans.