Author: Rubin, Matan; Arnon, Hadar; Huppert, Jonathan D.; Perry, Anat
Description: Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) language models have elevated the vision of using conversational AI support for mental health, with a growing body of literature indicating varying degrees of efficacy. In this paper, we ask when, in therapy, it will be easier to replace humans and, conversely, in what instances, human connection will still be more valued. We suggest that empathy lies at the heart of the answer to this question. First, we define different aspects of empathy and outline the potential empathic capabilities of humans versus AI. Next, we consider what determines when these aspects are needed most in therapy, both from the perspective of therapeutic methodology and from the perspective of patient objectives. Ultimately, our goal is to prompt further investigation and dialogue, urging both practitioners and scholars engaged in AI-mediated therapy to keep these questions and considerations in mind when investigating AI implementation in mental health.
Subject headings: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Empathy; Psychotherapy; Mental Disorders; AI; Algorithms; Artificial empathy; Digital mental health; E-mental health; Emotions; Internet-based therapy; Machine learning; Mental diseases; Mood disorders; Therapy
Publication year: 2024
Journal or book title: JMIR mental health
Volume: 11
Pages: e56529
Find the full text: https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e56529/PDF
Find more like this one (cited by): https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cites=13863110104108364902&as_sdt=1000005&sciodt=0,16&hl=en
Serial number: 4139