Artificial Intelligence's Impact on Mental Health Treatments

• In Event: Interrogating Innovation in Global Digital Mental Health

Abstract

Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) as a medical aid stemmed as research on mental health and psychology increased. Yet despite failing the Turing Test, AI continues to be used as a practical aid in the psychological community. From virtual reality simulations of everyday activities to robotic pet seals implemented in nursing homes, AI has found a home in the psychological field as a support for those in the medical field as well as those taking care of loved ones. In my senior project, I aim to look at different AI technologies and see how they are being used in mental health treatments. I will examine the effects of the following AI technologies with college-aged students: Woebot, an AI chatbot used for behavioral cognitive therapy; Tess, another AI chatbot used for cognitive behavioral therapy; Siri, a personal voice assistant; Amazon Alexa Kids Edition, another personal voice assistant aimed for children; and possibly Paro, a mental commitment robot. Public opinion of AI shows that many fear the advancements, which was exemplified from the Future of Life Institute’s Open Letter on AI. However, with the therapy advancements in the mental health field, AI has shown that there is potential for it to be beneficial to society.

Author

• Michelle Ausman