Well, you can speak to AI for emotional support and this one has been trending a lot thanks to its availability and anonymity. These AI mental health apps,like Woebot and Wysa are being used by millions of people around the globe,helping them 24x7. Examples include an AI-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tool, Woebot, whose user engagement surged by 35% since COVID-19 hit the U.S., illustrating demand for such tools during times of high-stress. The app uses CBT to help you manage anxiety or negative thoughts through its algorithm which is trained on emotional cues. At just around $5 to $10 per month, this is a much cheaper option compared to traditional therapy.
The AI to support emotionally dependent learners uses natural language processing methods (ie sentiment analysis & circumstance awareness) invokingState With sentiment analysis, employed by AI with around 85% effectiveness, the system can determine emotional tones like sadness and frustration in order to tailor its answers. This way the interactions can seem more humanistic and friendly. At Stanford University, studies have found that those who maintain regular contact with emotionally responsive AI notice up to a 20% reduction in their levels of stress — demonstrating how even simulated forms of empathy can improve wellbeing.
Bu some industry leaders warned that, despite AI being able to pretend empathy, it does not have real understanding. Rosalind Picard, a pioneer in affective computing at MIT explains; “AI can mimic emotional support but doesn't have feelings. This constraint notwithstanding, others seek solace in divulging their issues to AI as it means a sympathetic ear that is forever awake. Nearly 70% of Americans would choose to have human interaction for mental health issues over talk to ai with an AI chatbot, based on data from the American Psychological Association.
Big tech companies like Facebook and Google have similarly experimented with AI customer service systems. The social network rolled out a suicide prevention tool last year that allows anyone to flag someone at risk of harming themselves either by posting something on Facebook or going live. It used deep learning algorithms to look for posts or comments from users with language that suggested distress. The tool has one of the earliest available examples showing machine learning solutions in mental health, and it instantly found thousands upon cases. This, however is not where the line ends for AI over traditional therapy as according to specialists it is always advised when someone has complex needs.
In reality, people might turn to ai first when they need help processing their feelings while waiting for a human response. The convenience of AI comes with its drawbacks, as echoed by the limitations in handling complex emotions that highlight how human empathy is imperative.