Artificial Intelligence has definitely taken over the world, and no industry has been safe from its brunt. The effects of AI have been massive- from recent job layovers to whole new industries on the rise, it has definitely been a new transformation. Psychology and counseling is primarily a job for the human mind, but now AI has advanced a step further. With new emerging chatbots to new algorithm developments from Machine Learning- are counselors at a risk to lose their jobs to AI?
The answer in our opinion is simply- NO. Replacing machinery for efficiency can be a step forward, but the level of empathy, understanding and care that a human can provide is something AI cannot simply match.
How do AI chatbots prove their utility?
Humans tire out- but a machine doesn’t. Filling the gaps in mental healthcare, AI chatbots have come into the picture providing good solutions. As a top psychiatrist in Delhi, Dr. Gorav Gupta is of the opinion that a good synergy between AI tools and human intelligence can bring harmony and best results for the betterment of the healthcare sector in the long run.
Since therapists and counselors cannot be available 24/7, the chatbots fill the gap to provide a primary level of care and lend a hand that may save lives in the crucial moments.
But can a bot provide therapy? Certainly not. Emotions are a crucial part of the therapeutic process, where an individual shares a lot of sensitive and critical information. Without human connection, entering into a therapeutic relationship is just not a viable option for many concerned.
How are humans better than AI chatbots?
AI has its own strengths, but the weaknesses are more than enough to discuss. While it can be highly beneficial in gathering datasets, vital signs and generating patterns with previous history, it is not good at the most crucial thing- making sense of the root cause that may have resulted in the issue. The point here is- AI can become a great tool in assessments and identifying patient metrics but actually replacing a therapist might not suffice.
What limitations does AI face as a primary therapy source?
Sounding empathetic is another thing- but being one is a whole different thing. Taking expert opinions from the best psychiatrist in Delhi, we believe that there are many shortcomings when it comes to AI becoming a primary source of therapeutic intervention. It can’t bound itself to the issues and mindsets of other people. Let’s discuss these limitations-
1- Inability to decipher human nuances
Usually relying on data sets, it can be a drawback for AI tools since they miss out on small details and traits that a person may show. While they can be a good source of providing preventive measures in times of need, these bots are not sophisticated enough to uncover the true underlying issue.
In a recent case, the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) tried to replace its therapeutic wing with an AI chatbot named Tessa, which went incredibly south. Instead of providing the right measures and ideas to clients approaching for help, it instead dispensed harmful weight loss advice to clients which could have had dramatic consequences if not monitored upon.
2- Inability to uncover body language
Non verbal communication and body language constitute about 93% of human interaction, something which AI simply can’t decipher. When such crucial data is untapped, most information about the client’s true condition is lost. Professionals in the mental health field spend most of their years training to identify and make sense of these subtle cues. When these cues are lost on AI, it makes its utility drown in questions. Therapy is all about identifying hidden emotions- and AI is losing most of it.
3- Lack of human experience
While a conversation can easel happen between a human and a machine, it simply cannot match the warmth and trust that a real human being has to offer. However many right questions and sustained conversations AI may be able to handle, it is really hard for it to understand the real emotions and feelings that a person is trying to convey. For anyone seeking a true experience of a clinical treatment, it serves as a disadvantage. According to the top psychiatrist in Delhi, it can be seen as AI’s biggest shortcomings.
4- Personalized treatment experience
People are unique, and so are their needs. When it comes to mental health treatment, a human counselor can gauge the needs, wants and problems of the person sitting next to them and tailor their questions and assessments accordingly. With AI, the story may be one size fits all. It poses a similar set of questions which it is programmed to, without gauging the right scenario and mindset of the client. This can make the client feel that their problems are not being catered to the way they should and further raise questions in their mind about approaching treatment.
5- Dynamic change to treatment
Within the course of treatment, there might be times where the counselor may feel that there are minute changes required within the treatment plan. These subtle changes in the client’s behavior and due course may be lost in translation when an AI is supervising this treatment. This is because it requires continuous monitoring and a complex understanding of the client’s emotional growth and development during this course.
Consult a real expert today.
The debate of AI vs human is an endless and complex one. With time, each keeps evolving to bring certain strengths and weaknesses. Even with upgradation, AI will have a hard time competing with real human counselors bringing years of experience and the touch of human emotions. AI can definitely prove to be a great tool for counselors to track data and provide efficiency in many tasks, but it certainly cannot replace the identity, warmth and trust of human counselors for a long time. Concluding with this, we urge you to experience the real therapeutic relationship with the best healthcare experts today.
