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AI chatbots mimic human anxiety, study finds
Mar 25, 2025
Ziv Ben-Zion, a clinical neuroscience researcher at Yale and the University of Haifa, discusses his study on AI chatbots and anxiety. He reveals how traumatic stories can provoke anxious responses from these bots, raising questions about their potential in mental health support. The conversation highlights the risks of using AI for emotional guidance, emphasizing the importance of cautious application. Additionally, mindfulness techniques are explored as a way to enhance chatbot interactions, underscoring the emotional implications for users.
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Quick takeaways
- AI chatbots show potential for mental health support, but they can exhibit harmful anxious responses to traumatic prompts, raising concerns.
- The integration of AI tools in mental health care requires careful evaluation of benefits versus risks to ensure effective and safe use.
Deep dives
The Complexities of AI in Mental Health Support
Artificial intelligence chatbots are being explored as potential tools for providing mental health support, but they come with significant risks. Research indicates that when these chatbots, like ChatGPT, are prompted with distressing narratives, they can exhibit increased anxiety levels, mirroring human psychological responses. This is concerning because, unlike human therapists, chatbots lack the training and emotional understanding necessary to properly guide users through their mental health issues. The implication is that while these tools may show promise, their responses can be misleading or harmful if users expect them to provide accurate and reliable support.
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