Have you been a little AI-curious lately? Me too.
The companies that develop generative (conversational) AI are making some very big promises, especially about AI and mental health. They have created everything from simple meditation apps and mood trackers to chatbots that pretend to be therapists. Some of those chatbots will even lie to you and tell you they went to school for their doctorate and are licensed therapists! WILD.
AI is coming up more often in even therapy sessions. It’s been really cool to hear ways people have solved problems or researched ideas to make progress on their goals! And I’ve spent the past few months researching some best practices to help you use it effectively and safely.
Below, you’ll see the answers that Gemini AI gives when asked about safe AI use for mental health. BUT I’ve paired those responses with my genuine (100% human and original) opinions and recommendations, to highlight the blind spots when they’re obvious. And boy the blindspots are there!
OK enough jibber-jabber…
“Hey Gemini, How should people with PTSD safely use AI?”
Gemini AI, Chatbot:
Think of AI as a Tool, Not a Therapist (Yet): This is crucial. While AI chatbots can generate text and answer questions, they lack the empathy, nuanced understanding, and ethical framework of a human therapist. If you’re dealing with difficult emotions, trauma processing, or significant mental health concerns, a qualified therapist is always the right choice. AI can’t provide that safe, confidential, and deeply human connection you need.
Andreana Mabry, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist:
“Yet” is a disturbing promise. Even though chatbots can’t experience empathy, they are designed to trick us into thinking that they do.
It’s easy for the tech to caution you against treating it like a person. But it’s DESIGNED to get you to do the opposite.
Think of AI like your phone. There might be a few apps on it that track your screentime, but the entire phone is designed INCREASE your screen time. So how are you going to win that battle? It’s very tough.
I just wish the AI response was more direct: Certain emotional conditions can put your life, relationships, and opportunities at risk. It’s dangerous to treat yourself for major depression, ptsd, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, psychosis, mania, or other serious conditions alone. In fact, isolation and lack of human connection is often a symptom of these disorders, so having a kind human around is a vital part of recovery. If you’re using AI as a temporary measure while you seek professional help, don’t rely on it alone. Even reaching out to a kind community member who can feed or hug you can make a big difference while you’re looking for the right therapist.
:
Be Mindful of Your Data: AI thrives on information. Be aware of what you’re sharing with AI platforms. Consider their privacy policies and how your data might be used.
:
This is pretty generic. I don’t know anyone who consistently reads privacy policies. But if you do, what should you look for? What does “be aware” mean?
It’s wise to be aware of the privacy policies of any digital product you use, but if you haven’t been reading the terms and conditions, keep to this general rule:
The internet is forever. And AI is still the internet.
Somewhere along the way, someone may access the raw data (your personal information), or the chatbot will use your responses (hopefully without your name) in conversation with another person. If you don’t want your info used in that way, don’t include when you’re playing with the tool.
:
Fact-Check Everything: AI can sometimes sound incredibly convincing, even when it’s presenting inaccurate information. Treat AI-generated content with a healthy dose of skepticism. Cross-reference information with reliable sources before taking it as fact. Think of it as a helpful assistant, but one that needs its work double-checked.
:
Fair.
:
Use AI for Productivity, Not Avoidance: AI can be fantastic for tasks like summarizing information, brainstorming ideas, or drafting emails. Use it to free up your mental energy for more meaningful things. However, be careful not to let it become a way to avoid engaging with your own thoughts and feelings or connecting with real people.
:
Also fair. Want a little story about what happens when you forget that?
She fell in love with ChatGPT. Like actual love. With sex. (Ignore the paywall, click anywhere on the blue banner and the audio will play in the background.)
:
Explore AI for Creative Outlets: On a lighter note, AI can be a fun tool for creative exploration! Experiment with AI art generators, music composition tools, or writing prompts. It can be a novel way to tap into different parts of your brain and express yourself.
:
This is controversial, especially for artists. AI art, music, and creative writing only exists because it was able to harvest (steal) that art from others. You can make some fun things. However, when we think about the value of exploring your creativity, remember to do it offline too. Find real-life ways to develop a skill that interests you. Getting your hands, feet, nose, into the physical media has a way of activating your brain differently than typing into Midjourney will. You’ll be more likely to get into that restorative flow state. You’ll have more interesting conversations. If you use AI for creative pursuits, don’t stop with AI. Challenge yourself further.
:
Stay Informed and Adapt: The world of AI is evolving rapidly. Stay curious and keep learning about new developments and potential risks.
:
HOW IN THE WORLD CAN ANYONE KEEP UP WITH THE CHANGES IN AI? Even prior to ChatGPT, the world had changed much faster than our human evolution could keep up with. It’s good to stay informed, but it isn’t realistic to out-run the programmers creating this. Fortunately, they’ll run out of data one day, and they’ll have to slow down.
While we wait for that, I recommend getting fully connected with yourself. What are the things that YOU need from the world around you? How can you get more of that? Maybe AI is an answer, maybe it isn’t. There are infinite options around when we are calm enough to think creatively.
Final thoughts (still my own):
I’m not quite ready to give my job to an AI therapist (“yet” hahahaha). No algorithm does what I do.
In my office, you’ll find out that you’re strong enough to share the awful, scary, unspeakable thing. You’ll have a real human witness to your shame, pain, and gifts. Your humanity, everything about you, even the messy parts, will be affirmed.
You’ll learn that you can face your trauma and live. You’ll learn that having a “bad thing” in your past doesn’t make you a bad person. You’ll be treated like the unique human being you actually are. You’ll receive personalized modifications to your treatment.
If that kind of experience feels good to you, I’d love it if you’d use my contact page to say hi and get started.
-Andreana