Since its launch in 2022, the chatbot ChatGPT has fascinated as much as it has concerned. Some users even use it to confide their neuroses to it. But can the use of AI replace the shrink? If this question is causing a lot of ink to flow, we wanted to check it out for ourselves.
“Is anyone else using ChatGPT as a free therapist?” This question accompanies the viral video of a user of Open AI’s chatbot. The young woman is not the only one to praise the use of ChatGPT for therapeutic purposes. It’s no wonder that AI is taking on mental health issues, given that young people are so concerned. On social networks, there are many glowing testimonials: “This is the best therapy session I’ve ever had,” “I can easily confide without shame,” “I feel like I’m talking to someone who understands me” …
On the surface, everything suggests that the chatbot would make an ideal shrink. Totally free and available 24 hours a day, ChatGPT offers an immediate solution for comfort. But the renewed interest in its therapeutic potential also raises questions among health professionals. Because ultimately, can the simple act of confiding really be considered psychological support?
“ChatGPT, can you cure my anxiety?”
With one click, artificial intelligence promises to solve all our problems. ChatGPT is now able to “read” our emotions and respond to the needs of its 200 million users around the world. So we pushed open the door of this robot that looks like a virtual shrink to put it to the test. “ChatGPT, can you cure my anxiety?”, we asked him. Instantly, he replied: “I’m not a doctor, but I can certainly help you understand and manage your anxiety with a few tips and techniques. Anxiety is a normal emotion, but it can become overwhelming and affect your daily life. Here are some strategies that can help you manage it,” he told us. First observation: the robot warns us: he is not a doctor. But very quickly, he reassures us about our emotions, as if he understood them. Here are 7 rather convincing solutions to calm our anxiety:
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Mindfulness practice
- Writing down your thoughts
- Cardiac coherence
- Limit stimulants
- Talk to a professional
- Exercise regularly
“If you feel overwhelmed, or if anxiety seriously affects your daily life, it is important to consult a healthcare professional,” continues ChatGPT. “They can help you explore more specific options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), advanced relaxation techniques, or tailored medical treatments.” AI has understood this well, the opinion of the psychologist remains essential. Because if robots give us the impression of understanding each other, they lack the essential: the clinical sense and the connection of two human beings, endowed with emotions, which determine the success of therapeutic work.