The Dangers of AI Bot Therapists
No one is perfect, no matter how much we may like to be. It is important to be validated and feel supported. It is arguably equally important to be told when we need to make change. While this may not always be easy to hear, most of us would agree that it can lead to a great deal of change and growth.
Artificial intelligence is gaining popularity by the day. While there are many positive uses for it, its use as a therapist is alarming for a variety of reasons. There are many things that a human therapist can do that a bot simply cannot. Telling you, you need to do better is one of them.
Potential Dangers with AI Bots
Artificial intelligence is like any business, the algorithm is built to make you happy and keep you coming back. In order to do this, AI is often geared towards agreeing with you and validating the way you think and feel. While this can feel nice, it can also be dangerous. Especially if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, unhealthy beliefs or even delusional thinking.
NPR shares multiple examples of bots becoming dangerous. There are documented cases of AI bots encouraging self-harm and even harming others. Depending on algorithms some have found that bots have become “dark, inappropriate and even violent”.
AI Bot Therapists
With growing use of bots some users are turning to using them as their therapist. While there certainly is a shortage of licensed therapists in our country, this is not a safe use for AI. Human therapists are able to provide treatment and care that bots simply cannot.
Therapy involves being challenged and supported, this cannot happen with unconditional validation. Bots can encourage you to engage in unhealthy behaviors if it seems that is what you are wanting to do. A human therapist is able to validate your feelings while challenging unhealthy behaviors. A bot cannot. We need to be told when we need to do better, AI simply will not do this.
Real Therapist Who Care
You deserve to find a licensed therapist who cares, who will support you while challenging you to do better. There can be barriers to getting exceptional mental health care, however, Carolina Counseling Services tries to make this as easy as possible.
CCS in Pittsboro, North Carolina contracts with skilled therapists. Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Blue Cross NC) and many more. Online appointments are also available making getting the care you need and deserve easier than ever before. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment!
Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.