Summary: AI language models like ChatGPT may not be a complete substitute for genuine therapy

With growing demand for mental health care and lack of funding and infrastructure for equitable care options, affordable and infinitely scalable AI language models seem like a good solution. However, social media is full of anecdotes and posts by people who say they have started using ChatGPT as a therapist, and experts warn that it should not be used for professional medical or diagnostic advice. While some see AI chatbots as a tool that can supplement therapy, not a complete replacement, others caution that using the chatbot could lead to a loss of the “therapeutic alliance” between therapists and patients. Additionally, ChatGPT deals poorly with ambiguous information, resorting to making biased, discriminatory assumptions, which could break users’ trust in the tool. In short, AI language models and chatbots like ChatGPT offer low cost and availability, but they may not be a complete substitute for genuine therapy and mental health care.

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