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Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
The Psychology Of AI Transformation
Kamales Lardi, CEO of Lardi & Partner Consulting, is a digital transformation leader, leveraging neuroscience and human-tech psychology. In the 1980s, I distinctly remember a wave of fear surrounding the use of microwave ovens. There were numerous stories about how "nuking" food with microwave ovens was removing nutrients from it, or even worse, causing food to become radioactive. Decades of research have disproved these claims, proving that microwave energy changes to heat as it is absorbed by food, and does not make it radioactive or contaminated. Today, although microwave ovens have become a staple in most households, fears and anxieties surrounding their use still exist. Fresh waves of anxiety and fear often accompany innovation and new technologies; we fear what we do not fully understand or control. When Progress Triggers Panic In the current digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) represents the ultimate technology innovation that could transform every aspect of our lives. Although research and development in AI have existed since the 1950s, it is only in recent years that we have seen the technology truly accelerate and the potential for it to outpace us. AI anxiety, as it is increasingly being recognized, is the anxiousness and fear caused by the rapid growth of AI and technological development. In research conducted by Calm, a guided meditation platform, nearly one in three adults (29%) feel anxious about AI, while over 18% characterize their feelings as fear or dread. While AI transformations often focus on data, platforms, system integrations and upskilling, leadership teams need to understand and prioritize the psychological impacts of AI that can make or break its adoption in organizations. Fear Of Obsolescence As humans, we are driven by a primal survival instinct of self-preservation and to sustain life. In the modern age, this is closely linked to the work we do, our professional identities and the ability to earn a living. Threats to these instincts trigger the well-known fight-or-flight reaction that is hardwired in our brain. The rise of AI adoption in the workplace not only disrupts the traditional ways of working but also threatens our sense of identity, professional worth and livelihood. As AI takes over routine tasks, some employees may struggle to find purpose in their jobs, particularly experienced professionals who were previously defined by their efficiency and depth of technical knowledge. In an organizational setting, this fear could be detrimental to transformation, as people resist the adoption of new technology solutions by downplaying their value, avoiding upskilling and even sabotaging change efforts. It is therefore critical for leadership teams to understand that fear of obsolescence is a natural part of the transformation process and to address these fears openly and empathetically. The message to teams should be clear: AI will augment human capabilities, and not replace them. Loss Of Control And Autonomy Autonomy is a fundamental aspect of psychological well-being. The lack of control or autonomy may result in increased cortisol levels (stress hormone), feeling powerless, emotional exhaustion and decision paralysis. On the flipside, creating a sense of autonomy is a core element of motivation that can drive positive behavior change and engagement. Organizations are increasingly adopting AI-based technologies in roles that involve judgment or discretion. For teams working with these intelligent systems, it may feel like handing over decisions to machines and a loss of individual agency. This situation is compounded by the "black box" effect of AI, where the internal workings of the system and processes attributed to creating outputs are not fully transparent or understood by humans. For sophisticated decision systems, the outputs may be complex and opaque, requiring specific upskilling for employees to understand, interact with and take action on. Additionally, outputs and recommendations may be consistent or biased, creating a trust gap as teams hesitate to rely on AI in a meaningful way. To counter this, it is critical to design and implement AI-based systems that are explainable, transparent and governed by human oversight. When people understand how outputs are being developed and retain the ability to override or contextualize them, they are more likely to trust and embrace AI. Cognitive Overload And Fatigue AI transformations have an organization-wide impact, often coming on top of other digital initiatives, new ways of working, upskilling and reskilling initiatives and organizational shifts. This creates a complex environment with many layers of change and a level of uncertainty that could last months or even years. The resulting cognitive overload and fatigue may cause people to disengage, resist change or even burn out entirely. Additionally, there is a real risk of creating an internal divide in the organization, where digital natives may choose to embrace new technologies while others may feel left behind. This creates an environment of disruption, resentment, siloes and even quiet rebellion against transformation efforts. Leadership teams need to plan and pace the transformation process carefully to avoid overloading teams with too many changes at once. Clear and consistent communication at every phase is also critical, allowing people the opportunity to understand what will happen and how changes will be executed. It is also crucial to foster inclusivity in the AI journey by offering equal access to learning and development programs designed for all levels of digital maturity, as well as rewarding adoption behaviors across all functions and levels. Embrace The Human Side For Success As AI reshapes business operations, strategy and customer engagement, organizations must accept that success in AI transformation still hinges on one critical element: people. The psychological impact on employees can make or break AI adoption, and leaders who fail to recognize the human impact of AI transformation risk outright failure. When employees feel like they are part of the AI transformation journey, rather than something "done" to them, they will feel motivated and accountable for its outcome. I believe that AI-based solutions will be a staple in most businesses and households, just like the microwave oven. By adopting a human-centric approach, we have the opportunity to quash the fears surrounding AI transformation well in advance. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
4 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
How A One-Week Digital Detox Restores Work-Life Balance
A digital detox can help busy professionals reset boundaries and achieve better work-life balance. Corporate professionals often feel the pressure to be 'always on' and to respond instantly, both during and outside of work hours. According to Calm's 2024 Voice of the Workplace Report, 58% of employees say they're always connected or available for work. It's no wonder that nearly one-third also report feeling tired from constant screen time. While fully stepping away from devices isn't realistic for most professionals, a brief digital detox can help restore energy, focus and work-life balance—without the need to go fully offline. Here's how to make a one-week digital detox work for you, even if you can't unplug completely. 1. Ban Your Phone From The Bedroom The first step toward work-life balance involves creating physical boundaries between yourself and your devices. Transform your bedroom into a sanctuary free from work emails, social media notifications and the sleep-disrupting blue light that screens emit. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that evening exposure to light-emitting devices negatively affects sleep quality, circadian timing and next-morning alertness. By designating your bedroom a device-free zone, you create a space where your mind can truly disconnect and recharge. Helpful Tip: Consider investing in a traditional alarm clock and setting up a charging station outside your bedroom. This eliminates the temptation to check your phone immediately upon waking or right before sleep—two critical periods for mental restoration. 2. Kill All Non-Essential Notifications The average knowledge worker checks their email multiple times a day, creating a constant state of cognitive fragmentation that prevents deep, meaningful work. During your digital detox week, take control of your attention by turning off all non-essential notifications across your devices. This includes social media alerts, news updates, promotional emails and even work-related notifications that aren't urgent. The goal is to shift from a reactive mode, where your attention is constantly hijacked by external stimuli, to a proactive mode, where you consciously choose when to engage with digital information. Helpful Tip: Customize your notification settings to receive only urgent communications during focus periods. Most smartphones allow you to filter notifications by contact or app, helping you stay accessible for emergencies while eliminating digital distractions. 3. Check Email Only Three Times Per Day Rather than being always on, establish specific times for checking emails, social media and news updates. This approach, known as "batching," enables you to check email more efficiently by minimizing task switching. Consider checking email only three times per day and limiting social media consumption to a single 20-minute window. This structured approach helps break the compulsive habit of reaching for your phone whenever you feel bored, anxious or understimulated. Helpful Tip: Use a timer to enforce your digital consumption boundaries. When the timer goes off, immediately close the app or browser tab. This practice helps retrain your brain to engage with technology purposefully rather than compulsively. 4. Swap Scrolling For Real-World Activities The most challenging aspect of a digital detox is filling the time and mental space that constant connectivity previously occupied. Successful detoxers replace their digital habits with engaging real-world activities that provide similar psychological rewards without the adverse side effects. This might include reading physical books instead of scrolling through articles on your phone, taking walks in nature instead of browsing social media during breaks or engaging in creative hobbies like drawing, cooking or playing a musical instrument. These activities not only fill the void left by reduced screen time but also provide opportunities for profound, restorative experiences. Helpful Tip: Before reaching for your device, pause and identify whether you're seeking entertainment, connection, information or stress relief. Then, find an offline alternative that meets that same need, such as deep breathing exercises or a brief walk when feeling stressed. 5. Switch Your Phone To Grayscale Mode One of the most effective yet underutilized digital detox techniques involves removing the vibrant colors that make your smartphone so visually appealing. Most smartphones now allow you to switch your entire display to grayscale, which significantly reduces the dopamine hit you get from colorful apps and notifications. This simple change makes your device less pleasurable to use, naturally reducing the time you spend scrolling without requiring constant willpower. Helpful Tip: Enable grayscale mode in your phone's accessibility settings at the beginning of your detox week. Set it to activate automatically during certain hours or toggle it on and off as needed. Most users report checking their phones 20% to 30% less frequently when switching to grayscale mode, according to a study published in Mobile Media and Communication. 6. Stop Work From Invading Your Personal Life Remote work has blurred the lines between professional and personal time, making it crucial to establish boundaries around work-related digital communication. During your digital detox week, set specific hours when you'll be unavailable for non-urgent work communications. This might mean turning off Slack notifications after 6 PM, not checking work emails over the weekend or setting an auto-responder that manages expectations about response times. These boundaries protect your personal time while teaching co-workers to respect your work-life balance. Helpful Tip: Create separate user profiles or use different devices for work and personal activities when possible. If you must use the same device, establish visual cues, such as different wallpapers or app arrangements, to help your brain distinguish between work and personal time. 7. Curate Your Digital Comeback The end of your digital detox week shouldn't mark a return to old habits but rather the beginning of a more intentional relationship with technology. Before reintroducing apps and digital services, evaluate which ones add value. Delete or hide apps that are time-wasters or sources of stress. For the digital tools you choose to keep, establish clear usage guidelines and regular check-ins to ensure they continue serving your goals. Consider implementing ongoing practices like "digital sabbaths"—regular periods of disconnection—or maintaining some of the technology-free zones you established during your detox. Helpful Tip: Reintroduce digital tools gradually, one app or habit at a time. Monitor how each affects your mood, productivity at work and overall well-being. If something consistently makes you feel worse, consider whether it truly deserves a place in your life. By setting firm boundaries, practicing digital detox strategies and replacing mindless scrolling with meaningful activities, you can break the cycle of digital overload. Focus on progress, not perfection. A more intentional approach to technology supports your productivity and work-life balance. Even small changes in digital habits can lead to greater energy, focus and a healthier relationship with work.
UAE Moments
5 days ago
- Health
- UAE Moments
Indoor Mindfulness & Meditation Strategies for Long Summers
When the scorching heat outside feels like it's frying your soul (and your hair), it's time to turn the focus inward. Long Gulf summers might be brutal for beach days and outdoor adventures, but they're also the perfect excuse to finally start a mindfulness or meditation practice indoors — no sweat involved. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just starting your wellness journey, these indoor strategies are your go-to toolkit for staying grounded, cool, and mentally refreshed all summer long. Here's your ultimate guide to indoor mindfulness and meditation strategies during the endless summer stretch, especially tailored for Gulf expats and residents battling those 45°C days. 1. Create Your Zen Den: A Chill Meditation Space at Home You don't need an entire room—just a cozy corner. Grab some floor cushions, light a few candles, add a calming scent (think lavender, frankincense, or oud if you're feeling regional), and voila! You've got a personal oasis away from the chaos (and heat). Bonus tip: Use blackout curtains and a small fan to make your space literally cooler. 2. Start With Guided Meditations (Because Silence Can Be Loud) Not everyone can jump straight into complete stillness—especially with your phone buzzing and the AC humming. Use apps like Calm, Insight Timer, or Headspace to guide you through 5–10 minute sessions. Many platforms also offer meditations specifically for stress, sleep, focus, and even cooling breath techniques. SEO Tip: 'Best meditation apps for Gulf residents' is a great keyword phrase to add to your bookmarks. 3. Practice Cooling Breathwork (Yes, That's a Thing) Breathing techniques like Sitali Pranayama are known for their cooling effects. Stick your tongue out like a taco, inhale through it, and exhale through your nose. It looks silly but feels amazing. This simple mindfulness breathing exercise can lower body temperature and anxiety—win-win! 4. Try Body Scans (Perfect for Siesta Hours) If you're feeling sluggish from the heat and can't focus, body scan meditations are ideal. Lie down, close your eyes, and slowly bring awareness to each part of your body. Apps can guide you through this or you can DIY with some soft ambient music. 5. Journaling: Mindfulness with a Pen Grab a journal and let it all out. Morning pages, gratitude lists, or simple 'how I'm feeling today' check-ins can keep you emotionally balanced and self-aware. Pair it with a cup of mint tea and boom—you're basically a walking wellness Pinterest board. 6. Try Walking Meditation… Indoors Pacing your living room might sound weird, but walking meditation helps connect mind and body while keeping you moving (without heatstroke). Walk slowly and intentionally, noticing the sensation of each step. Pro tip: Pair with a playlist of chill beats or nature sounds. 7. Incorporate Aromatherapy & Sound Healing Sound bowls, wind chimes, and soft gongs can enhance your practice. Don't have those? YouTube and Spotify have sound healing playlists galore. Add a diffuser with cooling essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus to complete the sensory vibe. 8. Set a Mindfulness Routine That Matches Your Energy Summer burnout is real. Whether you're working remotely or staying inside to beat the sun, create a summer mindfulness routine that includes 5-minute check-ins, mid-day meditations, or even mindful meal prep. Consistency is key—not intensity. 9. Digital Detox: Mindfulness for the Scroll-Weary Challenge yourself to unplug. Turn off social media for an hour or a full day. Use that time to connect with yourself, meditate, stretch, or even just sit and sip something cool. Mindfulness during Gulf summer also means knowing when to rest your mind from the digital noise. 10. Group Zoom Meditations (Yes, They're a Thing!) Just because you're indoors doesn't mean you're alone. Join virtual meditation groups hosted by local wellness studios, international mindfulness teachers, or even wellness hubs in the Gulf like SEVA Experience Dubai, or Inner Seed Abu Dhabi. These sessions are usually donation-based or free—and they're a great way to stay socially connected while feeding your soul. 11. Mindful Movement That Doesn't Make You Sweat Forget high-intensity workouts—summer is the time to embrace slow yoga flows, yin yoga, or gentle stretching routines. YouTube is filled with 10- to 30-minute sessions that are low-impact and high-vibe. Add mindful breathing and boom: instant zen mode. 12. Mindful Screen Time (Netflix, But Make It Nourishing) Swap out intense thrillers or overstimulating content for something soothing. Think nature documentaries, calming podcasts, or even ambient TV like slow living vlogs or cooking ASMR. It's all about conscious entertainment that helps you wind down, not hype up. 13. Cool Down with Mindful Eating Hot summer days can mess with your appetite or have you grabbing junk just to cope. Try mindful eating by slowing down, savoring flavors, and really paying attention to how your food makes you feel. Seasonal cooling foods like cucumber, yogurt, and watermelon? Chef's kiss 🍉 Let's be real: when you're stuck indoors while the world outside sizzles at 45+ degrees, your mental health can start to feel just as fried. But creating a few simple, daily moments of mindfulness can totally change your summer. You don't need a retreat in Bali—you just need your breath, a quiet corner, and maybe a fan. So go on, take a deep breath, light that incense, and let the heat be your cue to chill from the inside out.
Japan Today
6 days ago
- Health
- Japan Today
The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health?
By Pooja Shree Chettiar Recently, I found myself pouring my heart out, not to a human, but to a chatbot named Wysa on my phone. It nodded – virtually – asked me how I was feeling and gently suggested trying breathing exercises. As a neuroscientist, I couldn't help but wonder: Was I actually feeling better, or was I just being expertly redirected by a well-trained algorithm? Could a string of code really help calm a storm of emotions? Artificial intelligence-powered mental health tools are becoming increasingly popular – and increasingly persuasive. But beneath their soothing prompts lie important questions: How effective are these tools? What do we really know about how they work? And what are we giving up in exchange for convenience? Of course it's an exciting moment for digital mental health. But understanding the trade-offs and limitations of AI-based care is crucial. Stand-in meditation and therapy apps and bots AI-based therapy is a relatively new player in the digital therapy field. But the U.S. mental health app market has been booming for the past few years, from apps with free tools that text you back to premium versions with an added feature that gives prompts for breathing exercises. Headspace and Calm are two of the most well-known meditation and mindfulness apps, offering guided meditations, bedtime stories and calming soundscapes to help users relax and sleep better. Talkspace and BetterHelp go a step further, offering actual licensed therapists via chat, video or voice. The apps Happify and Moodfit aim to boost mood and challenge negative thinking with game-based exercises. Somewhere in the middle are chatbot therapists like Wysa and Woebot, using AI to mimic real therapeutic conversations, often rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. These apps typically offer free basic versions, with paid plans ranging from US$10 to $100 per month for more comprehensive features or access to licensed professionals. While not designed specifically for therapy, conversational tools like ChatGPT have sparked curiosity about AI's emotional intelligence. Some users have turned to ChatGPT for mental health advice, with mixed outcomes, including a widely reported case in Belgium where a man died by suicide after months of conversations with a chatbot. Elsewhere, a father is seeking answers after his son was fatally shot by police, alleging that distressing conversations with an AI chatbot may have influenced his son's mental state. These cases raise ethical questions about the role of AI in sensitive situations. Where AI comes in Whether your brain is spiraling, sulking or just needs a nap, there's a chatbot for that. But can AI really help your brain process complex emotions? Or are people just outsourcing stress to silicon-based support systems that sound empathetic? And how exactly does AI therapy work inside our brains? Most AI mental health apps promise some flavor of cognitive behavioral therapy, which is basically structured self-talk for your inner chaos. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing, the Japanese tidying expert known for helping people keep only what 'sparks joy.' You identify unhelpful thought patterns like 'I'm a failure,' examine them, and decide whether they serve you or just create anxiety. But can a chatbot help you rewire your thoughts? Surprisingly, there's science suggesting it's possible. Studies have shown that digital forms of talk therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially for mild to moderate cases. In fact, Woebot has published peer-reviewed research showing reduced depressive symptoms in young adults after just two weeks of chatting. These apps are designed to simulate therapeutic interaction, offering empathy, asking guided questions and walking you through evidence-based tools. The goal is to help with decision-making and self-control, and to help calm the nervous system. The neuroscience behind cognitive behavioral therapy is solid: It's about activating the brain's executive control centers, helping us shift our attention, challenge automatic thoughts and regulate our emotions. The question is whether a chatbot can reliably replicate that, and whether our brains actually believe it. A user's experience, and what it might mean for the brain 'I had a rough week,' a friend told me recently. I asked her to try out a mental health chatbot for a few days. She told me the bot replied with an encouraging emoji and a prompt generated by its algorithm to try a calming strategy tailored to her mood. Then, to her surprise, it helped her sleep better by week's end. As a neuroscientist, I couldn't help but ask: Which neurons in her brain were kicking in to help her feel calm? This isn't a one-off story. A growing number of user surveys and clinical trials suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy-based chatbot interactions can lead to short-term improvements in mood, focus and even sleep. In randomized studies, users of mental health apps have reported reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety – outcomes that closely align with how in-person cognitive behavioral therapy influences the brain. Several studies show that therapy chatbots can actually help people feel better. In one clinical trial, a chatbot called 'Therabot' helped reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by nearly half – similar to what people experience with human therapists. Other research, including a review of over 80 studies, found that AI chatbots are especially helpful for improving mood, reducing stress and even helping people sleep better. In one study, a chatbot outperformed a self-help book in boosting mental health after just two weeks. While people often report feeling better after using these chatbots, scientists haven't yet confirmed exactly what's happening in the brain during those interactions. In other words, we know they work for many people, but we're still learning how and why. Red flags and risks Apps like Wysa have earned FDA Breakthrough Device designation, a status that fast-tracks promising technologies for serious conditions, suggesting they may offer real clinical benefit. Woebot, similarly, runs randomized clinical trials showing improved depression and anxiety symptoms in new moms and college students. While many mental health apps boast labels like 'clinically validated' or 'FDA approved,' those claims are often unverified. A review of top apps found that most made bold claims, but fewer than 22% cited actual scientific studies to back them up. In addition, chatbots collect sensitive information about your mood metrics, triggers and personal stories. What if that data winds up in third-party hands such as advertisers, employers or hackers, a scenario that has occurred with genetic data? In a 2023 breach, nearly 7 million users of the DNA testing company 23andMe had their DNA and personal details exposed after hackers used previously leaked passwords to break into their accounts. Regulators later fined the company more than $2 million for failing to protect user data. Unlike clinicians, bots aren't bound by counseling ethics or privacy laws regarding medical information. You might be getting a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, but you're also feeding a database. And sure, bots can guide you through breathing exercises or prompt cognitive reappraisal, but when faced with emotional complexity or crisis, they're often out of their depth. Human therapists tap into nuance, past trauma, empathy and live feedback loops. Can an algorithm say 'I hear you' with genuine understanding? Neuroscience suggests that supportive human connection activates social brain networks that AI can't reach. So while in mild to moderate cases bot-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy may offer short-term symptom relief, it's important to be aware of their limitations. For the time being, pairing bots with human care – rather than replacing it – is the safest move. Pooja Shree Chettiar is Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. External Link © The Conversation
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health?
Texas: Recently, I found myself pouring my heart out, not to a human, but to a chatbot named Wysa on my phone. It nodded - virtually - asked me how I was feeling and gently suggested trying breathing exercises. As a neuroscientist, I couldn't help but wonder: Was I actually feeling better, or was I just being expertly redirected by a well-trained algorithm? Could a string of code really help calm a storm of emotions? Artificial intelligence-powered mental health tools are becoming increasingly popular - and increasingly persuasive. But beneath their soothing prompts lie important questions: How effective are these tools? What do we really know about how they work? And what are we giving up in exchange for convenience? Of course it's an exciting moment for digital mental health. But understanding the trade-offs and limitations of AI-based care is crucial. Stand-in meditation and therapy apps and bots AI-based therapy is a relatively new player in the digital therapy field. But the US mental health app market has been booming for the past few years, from apps with free tools that text you back to premium versions with an added feature that gives prompts for breathing exercises. Headspace and Calm are two of the most well-known meditation and mindfulness apps, offering guided meditations, bedtime stories and calming soundscapes to help users relax and sleep better. Talkspace and BetterHelp go a step further, offering actual licensed therapists via chat, video or voice. The apps Happify and Moodfit aim to boost mood and challenge negative thinking with game-based exercises. Somewhere in the middle are chatbot therapists like Wysa and Woebot , using AI to mimic real therapeutic conversations, often rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. These apps typically offer free basic versions, with paid plans ranging from USD 10 to USD 100 per month for more comprehensive features or access to licensed professionals. While not designed specifically for therapy, conversational tools like ChatGPT have sparked curiosity about AI's emotional intelligence. Some users have turned to ChatGPT for mental health advice, with mixed outcomes, including a widely reported case in Belgium where a man died by suicide after months of conversations with a chatbot. Elsewhere, a father is seeking answers after his son was fatally shot by police, alleging that distressing conversations with an AI chatbot may have influenced his son's mental state. These cases raise ethical questions about the role of AI in sensitive situations. Where AI comes in Whether your brain is spiralling, sulking or just needs a nap, there's a chatbot for that. But can AI really help your brain process complex emotions? Or are people just outsourcing stress to silicon-based support systems that sound empathetic? And how exactly does AI therapy work inside our brains? Most AI mental health apps promise some flavor of cognitive behavioral therapy, which is basically structured self-talk for your inner chaos. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing, the Japanese tidying expert known for helping people keep only what "sparks joy." You identify unhelpful thought patterns like "I'm a failure," examine them, and decide whether they serve you or just create anxiety. But can a chatbot help you rewire your thoughts? Surprisingly, there's science suggesting it's possible. Studies have shown that digital forms of talk therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially for mild to moderate cases. In fact, Woebot has published peer-reviewed research showing reduced depressive symptoms in young adults after just two weeks of chatting. These apps are designed to simulate therapeutic interaction, offering empathy, asking guided questions and walking you through evidence-based tools. The goal is to help with decision-making and self-control, and to help calm the nervous system. The neuroscience behind cognitive behavioral therapy is solid: It's about activating the brain's executive control centres, helping us shift our attention, challenge automatic thoughts and regulate our emotions. The question is whether a chatbot can reliably replicate that, and whether our brains actually believe it. A user's experience, and what it might mean for the brain "I had a rough week," a friend told me recently. I asked her to try out a mental health chatbot for a few days. She told me the bot replied with an encouraging emoji and a prompt generated by its algorithm to try a calming strategy tailored to her mood. Then, to her surprise, it helped her sleep better by week's end. As a neuroscientist, I couldn't help but ask: Which neurons in her brain were kicking in to help her feel calm? This isn't a one-off story. A growing number of user surveys and clinical trials suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy-based chatbot interactions can lead to short-term improvements in mood, focus and even sleep. In randomised studies, users of mental health apps have reported reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety - outcomes that closely align with how in-person cognitive behavioral therapy influences the brain. Several studies show that therapy chatbots can actually help people feel better. In one clinical trial, a chatbot called "Therabot" helped reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by nearly half - similar to what people experience with human therapists. Other research, including a review of over 80 studies, found that AI chatbots are especially helpful for improving mood, reducing stress and even helping people sleep better. In one study, a chatbot outperformed a self-help book in boosting mental health after just two weeks. While people often report feeling better after using these chatbots, scientists haven't yet confirmed exactly what's happening in the brain during those interactions. In other words, we know they work for many people, but we're still learning how and why. Red flags and risks Apps like Wysa have earned FDA Breakthrough Device designation, a status that fast-tracks promising technologies for serious conditions, suggesting they may offer real clinical benefit. Woebot, similarly, runs randomised clinical trials showing improved depression and anxiety symptoms in new moms and college students. While many mental health apps boast labels like "clinically validated" or "FDA approved," those claims are often unverified. A review of top apps found that most made bold claims, but fewer than 22 per cent cited actual scientific studies to back them up. In addition, chatbots collect sensitive information about your mood metrics, triggers and personal stories. What if that data winds up in third-party hands such as advertisers, employers or hackers, a scenario that has occurred with genetic data? In a 2023 breach, nearly 7 million users of the DNA testing company 23andMe had their DNA and personal details exposed after hackers used previously leaked passwords to break into their accounts. Regulators later fined the company more than USD 2 million for failing to protect user data. Unlike clinicians, bots aren't bound by counselling ethics or privacy laws regarding medical information. You might be getting a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, but you're also feeding a database. And sure, bots can guide you through breathing exercises or prompt cognitive reappraisal, but when faced with emotional complexity or crisis, they're often out of their depth. Human therapists tap into nuance, past trauma, empathy and live feedback loops. Can an algorithm say "I hear you" with genuine understanding? Neuroscience suggests that supportive human connection activates social brain networks that AI can't reach. So while in mild to moderate cases bot-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy may offer short-term symptom relief, it's important to be aware of their limitations. For the time being, pairing bots with human care - rather than replacing it - is the safest move. (The Conversation)
