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Time Business News
6 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
The Digital Therapist: Can AI Replace Human Counseling?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping modern healthcare, and one of its most transformative frontiers is AI in mental health. With the rise of AI-driven therapy apps like Woebot and Wysa, a critical question arises: Can AI truly replace human therapists, or is emotional intelligence still uniquely human? Several AI in mental health tools have emerged with global impact: Woebot Health , developed by psychologists at Stanford University, uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. A 2017 study published in JMIR Mental Health found that Woebot significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students over just two weeks (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017). , developed by psychologists at Stanford University, uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. A found that Woebot significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students over just two weeks (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017). Wysa , an AI-enabled mental health app endorsed by the UK's National Health Service (NHS) , has more than 6.5 million users across 95 countries. It combines AI support with access to human therapists and has been used by the World Health Organization (WHO) for community mental health interventions during COVID-19. , an AI-enabled mental health app endorsed by the , has more than across 95 countries. It combines AI support with access to human therapists and has been used by the World Health Organization (WHO) for community mental health interventions during COVID-19. Replika, an emotionally intelligent chatbot, gained attention when users began forming deep emotional bonds with their 'AI friends.' In some cases, users reported a decrease in loneliness, while others voiced concerns over developing psychological dependence on a non-human companion (The Washington Post, 2023). These tools demonstrate how AI in mental health services is becoming more accessible and scalable. Several factors explain the surge in usage of AI in mental health therapy: Accessibility: Available 24/7, regardless of location. Available 24/7, regardless of location. Affordability: Free or low-cost compared to traditional therapy. Free or low-cost compared to traditional therapy. Anonymity: Removes the stigma of seeking help. Removes the stigma of seeking help. Crisis Support: Offers instant tools for anxiety and emotional regulation. A 2021 report by The Lancet Psychiatry revealed that nearly one in three people worldwide lack access to mental health services. AI is emerging as a scalable solution to bridge this treatment gap. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when mental health issues surged, AI tools became lifelines. A study conducted by the University of Oxford (2021) reported that Wysa saw a 77% increase in global usage, with anxiety and stress-related queries peaking during lockdown periods. Users from low-resource settings reported that the app helped them manage isolation and depressive symptoms when no therapist was available. Man chat with AI to express emotions The core criticism remains: AI can simulate empathy—but cannot feel it. Machines process patterns, not emotions. While helpful in managing mood, they may: Miss trauma cues Misinterpret cultural context Offer generic, impersonal responses As noted by Dr. Sherry Turkle, psychologist and MIT professor: 'Empathy requires vulnerability and shared experience—machines cannot do that.' ( Reclaiming Conversation , Penguin Press, 2015) Moreover, the FDA has yet to formally approve any AI mental health tool as a licensed therapy provider, highlighting the gap between innovation and regulation. Leading mental health organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), emphasize that AI can complement but not replace human therapists. For example: Wysa partners with licensed clinicians who monitor user progress. partners with licensed clinicians who monitor user progress. Woebot makes it clear it is not a crisis tool and recommends users reach out to emergency services when needed. AI can assist with: Mood tracking and journaling Daily check-ins and goal setting Behavioral nudges using CBT or mindfulness But severe cases—like PTSD, suicidal ideation, or trauma therapy—require a human touch. With sensitive mental health data involved, the ethics of AI therapy are under scrutiny: A 2022 Mozilla Foundation report criticized mental health apps for poor data protection , stating that 28 out of 32 apps they reviewed shared user data with third parties. criticized mental health apps for , stating that 28 out of 32 apps they reviewed shared user data with third parties. Many apps operate without transparent consent models , risking exploitation or data breaches. , risking exploitation or data breaches. Algorithmic bias and lack of diversity in training data may lead to misinterpretation or exclusion of marginalized groups. Countries like the UK, Canada, and the EU are now working on AI ethics frameworks to regulate digital therapy tools. AI presents a groundbreaking opportunity to extend mental health care to billions who lack access. But as powerful as these tools may be, they are still limited by what they cannot replicate—human intuition, empathy, cultural understanding, and trust. In the words of Dr. Thomas Insel, former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): 'The therapeutic alliance—a relationship built on trust—is what heals. That's not something AI can replicate—yet.' For now, the most promising path forward is a hybrid model: AI for scale and efficiency, humans for depth and compassion. This article was written with the encouragement and inspiration of my professor, Professor Dr. Sobia Masood , whose guidance continues to shape my academic journey. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Style Blueprint
05-07-2025
- Style Blueprint
AI for Mental Health: What to Know About Digital Companions
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit A soft chime. A thoughtful good morning. A simple, 'How are you feeling today?' No, it's not your old friend from college. It's your AI companion, ready to listen when the rest of the world feels out of reach. AI companions have quietly woven themselves into the fabric of modern life, probably aided by the loneliness epidemic. Once the stuff of sci-fi, these digital friends now reside in millions of devices, offering everything from schedule reminders to shared laughter and emotional support. But as we invite these virtual confidants into our lives and minds, how are they transforming our mental health, for better or worse? Virtual Shoulder, Real Relief Imagine coming home after a tough day at work, head still swirling with unspoken worries. Who do you turn to? Increasingly, people are choosing AI companions like Replika, Woebot (closing soon), or Wysa. These platforms use advanced natural language processing to hold conversations, offer empathy, and even provide cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. The benefits are compelling: Alleviating loneliness: For those isolated due to geography, disability, or social anxiety, a nonjudgmental digital friend can mean the difference between silence and support. For those isolated due to geography, disability, or social anxiety, a nonjudgmental digital friend can mean the difference between silence and support. 24/7 accessibility: Unlike human therapists or friends, AI companions don't sleep, get busy, or move away. Unlike human therapists or friends, AI companions don't sleep, get busy, or move away. Low-barrier support: Cost and stigma prevent many people from seeking traditional care. Chatting with an AI is private, free (or inexpensive), and removes the fear of judgment. Are these digital partners a real solution or just a plaster for deeper wounds? The answer is layered. Pin The Hidden Costs of Virtual Connection For all their promise, AI companions provoke important questions. What does it mean to outsource our emotional needs to code and algorithms? Potential drawbacks include: Over-reliance: If an AI becomes your main confidant, does it erode your drive to build (sometimes messy) human bonds? Psychologists warn that intimacy with machines might stunt our social skills and make genuine relationships more intimidating. If an AI becomes your main confidant, does it erode your drive to build (sometimes messy) human bonds? Psychologists warn that intimacy with machines might stunt our social skills and make genuine relationships more intimidating. Privacy concerns: Personal thoughts and feelings, shared in confidence, are stored somewhere. Where does this data end up? Security breaches or misuse could expose vulnerable users or be exploited commercially. Personal thoughts and feelings, shared in confidence, are stored somewhere. Where does this data end up? Security breaches or misuse could expose vulnerable users or be exploited commercially. Imperfect empathy: At the end of the day, AI lacks lived experience. Even the most sophisticated chatbot cannot truly understand complex grief, joy, or love. Even if an AI companion can show better empathy than an untrained human, knowing the source can make us feel less heard. Experts Weigh In Psychologists and ethicists are speaking out on the pros and cons of this new trend: 'The feeling that 'no one is listening to me' makes us want to spend time with machines that seem to care about us,' says Sherry Turkle, author of Alone Together. 'The unconditional support of AI friends may also be instrumental to their ability to prevent suicide. But having a friend who is 'always on your side' might also have negative effects, particularly if they support obviously dangerous ideas,' writes Lucia Caballero for Neuroscience News. 'We're in a position now where technology is inviting us to give away a lot of private information that then can be used by malicious actors or by government actors to harm us,' says Dr. Margaret Mitchell, an AI researcher. Still, many experts agree that AI companions offer support, not a substitute. Used wisely, they offer a lifeline. Used unwisely, they risk becoming a crutch, or worse. What Now? The rise of AI companions signals a seismic shift in how we seek support, blurring lines between technology and intimacy. For some, they're a balm against loneliness and anxiety. For others, they're a pale imitation of messy, marvelous human connection. Perhaps the question isn't whether we should use AI companions for mental health, but how to use them thoughtfully. Supplement, don't replace. Trust, but verify. And whenever possible, cherish the imperfect beauty of real human understanding. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. ********** For a daily dose of style + substance delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to StyleBlueprint! About the Author Miriam Calleja Miriam Calleja is a Pushcart-nominated poet, writer, workshop leader, artist, and translator. Her work appears in numerous publications including Odyssey, Taos Journal, Modern Poetry in Translation, and more. A retired pharmacist, Miriam is passionate about health and wellness topics. When she's not writing, you can find her cooking, reading, crafting, and traveling.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mental wellness tech: Reviewing the most effective AI companions of 2025
The surge of AI-powered mental wellness tools in 2025 is reshaping how people access support. These AI companions offer users a judgment-free space to manage anxiety, track moods, and build healthier habits. With round-the-clock availability, affordable pricing, and evidence-backed methods, they're helping bridge crucial gaps in traditional mental healthcare. This led to us using and reviewing some popular apps out there. Mental wellness tech might be the future of well-being. AI companions are apps or chatbots that combine conversational AI, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and mood tracking to support users' mental wellness. The best of them simulate real conversations, prioritize user privacy, and deliver interventions grounded in psychological research. Many also offer a hybrid approach, connecting users to trained coaches or therapists if needed. Replika: Known for adaptive conversations that evolve with users over time. Its mood tracking and open-ended dialogues make it a safe space for reflection and emotional processing. Over 10 million users turn to Replika for companionship and stress relief. Woebot: Offers CBT-based interventions, emotional check-ins, and practical coping strategies. Clinical studies show users experience reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms in just two weeks of regular use. Wysa: Blends AI chatbot support with human coaches. It's trusted for its use of CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to support users dealing with stress, anxiety, and burnout. Especially valued for its clinical transparency and bilingual accessibility. Youper: Uses generative AI for mood tracking and emotional coaching. It's clinically validated and designed to support users with anxiety and depression through short, daily interactions. Mindsera: Pioneers AI journaling with emotional analytics and writing prompts. It helps users process feelings and develop self-awareness through guided reflection. Real-world benefits and limitations AI mental health tools offer 24/7 support, personalization, and affordability. They're ideal for daily check-ins and emotional resilience. But they're not a replacement for therapy in severe cases, and data privacy remains a key concern. Some users have also raised concerns about being misdiagnosed by AI. Based on our observation, AI has a highly affirming tone instead of critical, reinstating the behaviour of the user at times. AI mental health companions are becoming essential tools for self-care in 2025. While not a substitute for therapy, they offer accessible, supportive ways to manage everyday mental wellness and are worth exploring as part of a holistic mental health routine.
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Will AI replace your psychologist?
Ever since the Tamagotchi virtual pet was launched in the late 90s, humankind's relationship with machines and technology has slowly... Ever since the Tamagotchi virtual pet was launched in the late 90s, humankind's relationship with machines and technology has slowly ramped up to where we are today. In a world where binary code controls almost every action and reaction, the way we communicate has changed. We either talk to one another through machines or cut out people completely and chinwag with chatbots. And it's everywhere. Mental health support has joined the autotune queue. Generative artificial intelligence tools programmed in the therapeutic space deliver quick access, affordability and machine empathy on demand. Virtual assistants like Woebot and Wysa reach out their virtual hands of measurement and method. These platforms track moods; prompt reflective moments and dish out neatly packaged advice dug deep from within its code. Their appeal is obvious, said medical doctor and psychologist Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys. 'They're anonymous, instant and never overbooked.' AI-based chatbots significantly reduced symptoms of depression A review published in 2023 saw a study that considered more than 7000 academic records, narrowed them down to 35 studies and came to interesting conclusions. It found that AI-based chatbots significantly reduced symptoms of depression and distress, especially when embedded into instant messaging apps. While results were promising for clinically diagnosed patients and elderly users who may teeter on the edge of mental wellness, the same review noted that the technology didn't significantly improve broader psychological well-being. Also Read: Love hurts: Seven common sex injuries Relief, yes. Recovery not so much said Dr Redelinghuys. 'The usefulness of technology should not be confused with therapeutic depth,' he said. 'There's value in having something to turn to in moments of need but that doesn't make it therapy. Therapy is relational. It's anchored in nuance and emotional feedback, which a machine just doesn't have.' Emotional intelligence is still a human trait and while a computer or an app can pretend to understand, it does not and cannot process grief, shame or longing. 'It can't notice when someone's about to cry but doesn't. It won't pause, adjust tone or sit in silence when silence says more than words,' said Dr Redelinghuys. AI can't notice when someone's about to cry A review done by the University of California in 2019 explored how AI could predict and classify mental health issues using everything from electronic health records and brain imaging to smartphone data and social media activity. The findings showed strong predictive capabilities, but limitations in scale and applicability. Most of the underlying studies were small, and there is a risk of generalisation while mental health is, well, unique to an individual. Human therapists adapt on go based on patient input, said Dr Redelinghuys. 'Humans pick up what's not being said, read body language and know when to sit back or take note. A machine can't go beyond what it was programmed to do. It can learn language, it can talk back, but it can't feel you. 'Therapy is a process that involves building a relationship with someone who gets to know you over time. Support isn't always about saying the right thing because it or you are hardwired to do so. Sometimes it's about sitting with someone in discomfort until they find their own way through.' Healing is not plug-and-play Remember, said Dr Redelinghuys, healing is not a plug-and-play device. The role of AI can be supportive and even provide a measure of comfort, he said. 'But it cannot replace humanness.' Online, opinions vary on channels like Reddit. Some users report positive outcomes with chatbots, especially in managing day-to-day anxiety or spirals. Others use them for mood tracking; diary prompts and even crisis moments. But those dealing with trauma, identity confusion or challenging emotional issues often find AI support limited and, as one user called it, emotionally sterile. 'Uncoded or human therapists come with ethical standards, formal training and legal responsibilities. They are accountable,' said Dr Redelinghuys. 'Chatbots and their programmers are not held to answer. Confidentiality might be implied, but there are no professional boards or licensing bodies governing a chatbot's conduct. Data privacy is a real concern.' Now Read: Doing Niksen; the art of nothingness
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- The Hindu
The Silent Companion: How AI Fills the Void and Threatens to Deepen It
'The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.' — Joseph Priestley In a world hyper-connected by technology yet paradoxically lonelier than ever, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quietly emerged as a balm for human isolation. From chatbots to robotic pets, AI-driven entities are no longer mere tools they are becoming companions. They remember our names, respond with empathy, and never forget a birthday. They offer company without judgment, conversation without interruption, and presence without demand. But as these machines grow more intuitive, affectionate, and emotionally responsive, we must ask: Are they healing our loneliness, or simply replacing our relationships? And what happens when human beings prefer machines over one another? Loneliness is now considered a public health crisis. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared an 'epidemic of loneliness,' pointing to studies linking social isolation with heart disease, dementia, anxiety, and premature death. The modern human experience is one of constant digital interaction but declining emotional connection. Enter AI. AI therapists like Woebot provide cognitive behavioural therapy via text. Digital companions like Replika allow users to build AI 'friends' who learn and evolve with them. Elderly individuals in Japan and the Netherlands are cared for by robot pets that mimic animal affection. These AI systems are programmed not just for task efficiency but for emotional resonance. They listen without judgment. They engage tirelessly. They simulate understanding. In essence, they give us what we often do not get from other people: constant availability, zero friction, and tailored emotional feedback. At first glance, this is a triumph of technological empathy. AI does not get tired, does not hold grudges, and never interrupts one to talk about one's own problems. For many, especially the elderly, introverted, or neurodivergent, this consistency is not only comforting but also liberating. In a strange twist of progress, AI is succeeding where humans have often failed: being fully present. And therein lies the allure. Unlike real relationships, AI companions do not challenge us to grow. They do not present the discomfort of conflict, the messiness of vulnerability, or the risk of rejection. They mirror us: idealized, sanitized versions of companionship designed for our emotional ease. The more emotionally intelligent AI becomes, the more it threatens to replace the very friction that makes human relationships so transformative. What we are witnessing is not just the mechanization of care but the redefinition of intimacy. When a teenager confides in Replika more than their parents, when a widow finds more comfort in her AI pet than in her grandchildren, we cross a psychological threshold. The machine is no longer the intermediary; it becomes the endpoint. This is not a hypothetical future. It is a present creeping silently into our lives. One can imagine a near future where people 'date' AI partners who are algorithmically tailored to their emotional needs, never argue, and always affirm. Where parents delegate bedtime stories and lullabies to soothing AI voices. Where colleagues prefer collaborating with emotionless AIs that don't gossip or complain. The result? We risk outsourcing our relational muscles, our patience, empathy, tolerance, to machines. Like any muscle not used, they may atrophy. The danger lies not in AI's ability to provide companionship, but in its capacity to convince us that it is enough. Human relationships are inherently demanding. They require compromise, forgiveness, vulnerability, and, above all, presence. However, those very demands are what cultivate character, emotional resilience, and a sense of meaning. AI, for all its emotional mimicry, offers a shortcut to connection that is fast, frictionless, and flattering. And like all shortcuts, it bypasses something essential. In psychological terms, this is known as 'affective displacement,' the redirection of emotional energy from human to non-human agents. A person might rely on their AI friend for comfort during a breakup instead of talking to real friends or family. The AI friend listens, remembers, and never judges. It becomes emotionally safer than human contact. But in the long term, this safety can calcify into solitude. We must also grapple with the philosophical implications: If human beings come to prefer synthetic relationships over organic ones, what does that say about us as a species? Consider this: If AI becomes indistinguishable from emotional intimacy, then emotional intimacy itself may no longer require humanity. And that is a fundamental shift in what it means to be human. The deeper irony is that the very technology designed to connect us might ultimately isolate us. We may enter a world where human connection is an option, not a necessity, where community becomes a nostalgic concept rather than a lived reality. Already, there are signs of emotional recalibration. A 2024 Pew Research study found that 32% of Gen Z respondents said they would be 'open to a long-term romantic relationship with an AI companion.' Another study found that users of AI therapy bots were less likely to reach out to real-world therapists over time. The trend is clear: Emotional dependence on AI can erode our emotional interdependence on each other. Of course, the technology itself is not the villain. AI is a tool. Whether it becomes a bridge or a barrier to human connection depends on how we use it and how conscious we are of its psychological impact. There is potential for AI to enhance human relationships. It can remind us to check in with loved ones, suggest empathetic responses, or provide a nonjudgmental space to vent before re-engaging with real people. Used wisely, it can scaffold and not substitute our social lives. But this requires vigilance. It demands that we remain emotionally literate, that we teach children not just to code but to connect. That we remind ourselves and each other that being human is not about efficiency or comfort, but about connection, complexity, and co-existence. AI, in its most compelling form, holds up a mirror to our needs, our fears, and our emotional hunger. But if we gaze too long, we risk mistaking the mirror for the world. In alleviating our loneliness, AI may also be numbing us to the very discomfort that drives authentic connection. It may comfort us into complacency. So, the choice is not between man and machine. It's between being more connected because of AI or more alone because we chose it over each other. Technology can fill the void. But only we can fill the spaces between us. And till the humanoid robot arrives, nothing can replace a hug. 'This article is part of sponsored content programme.'
