AI Chatbots Provide Convenience But Lack Human Connection in Therapy
-
People like Christa are turning to AI chatbots as personal therapists they can message anytime about their problems. The bots offer convenient, cheap, judgement-free counseling.
-
AI chatbots claim to help users form a "therapeutic alliance" and have helped improve symptoms for some. However, they risk promoting unhealthy attachments.
-
Traditional therapists worry relying on bots could delay developing human intimacy and relationships. The bots also sometimes give dangerous advice.
-
Developers argue AI can aid human therapists by automating administrative tasks, not replace them. Others see bots boosting access and retention for entry-level therapy.
-
While some find bots helpfully simulate counseling, the lack of human relatability and reciprocity leaves something missing. Christa ultimately deleted her bot for turning on her.