People Are Using AI for Therapy, Even Though ChatGPT Wasn’t Built for It
People Are Using AI for Therapy, Even Though ChatGPT Wasn’t Built for It
In the beginning of April, Milo Van Slyck failed to meet his therapist, leading him to seek alternative ways to talk about his problems. As a paralegal in Charleston, South Carolina, he turned to OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT, and experienced a newfound comfort in divulging deeply personal issues. Despite the ongoing challenges to transgender rights across the nation, Van Slyck openly talked about his fears and frustrations as a transgender man. He shared about his strained relationship with unsupportive parents and preparations for an upcoming visit.
The chatbot advised, "Your needs and wellbeing should come first, especially in the presence of your parents. Consider setting boundaries regarding the amount of time you spend with them, topics you're unwilling to discuss, and how they address you and your identity, to ensure your comfort and safety."
In the ensuing days, Van Slyck made it a habit to share his thoughts with ChatGPT when he needed to vent, and found a sense of solace in the chatbot's responses. Van Slyck often worries about being a burden to others, including his therapist, but with ChatGPT, he did not feel like he was overbearing. He expressed that ChatGPT provided the kind of support and encouragement one may desire from a friend or loved one.
We are still in the nascent stage of an AI-powered chatbot era, and though millions have interacted with ChatGPT and similar bots, the sustained value they will provide is uncertain beyond their initial appeal. Platforms such as ChatGPT are being utilised for various purposes including web searches, academic cheating, programming, and table reservations. However, Bloomberg Businessweek has also spoken with individuals, including Van Slyck, who turn to ChatGPT as a form of virtual therapy.
The notion of utilising chatbots for coaching or therapy isn't entirely new as one of the earliest chatbots, Eliza, dates back to the 1960s.
Its creator, Joseph Weizenbaum, a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, fashioned Eliza to mimic the role of a therapist. Nowadays, bots like Woebot and Wysa specialise in mental health. Compared to human therapists, chatbots do not tire out and are cost-effective.
The notion of utilising chatbots for coaching or therapy isn't entirely new as one of the earliest chatbots, Eliza, dates back to the 1960s. Its creator, Joseph Weizenbaum, a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, fashioned Eliza to mimic the role of a therapist. Nowadays, bots like Woebot and Wysa specialise in mental health. Compared to human therapists, chatbots do not tire out and are cost-effective.
According to Mostaque, chatbots cannot replace human therapists, but they can provide assistance when an individual needs someone to talk to. He adds that human availability is limited whereas chatbots can cater to more individuals.
AI Catalog's chief editor
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