I'm increasingly hearing AI is better than a 'real' therapist. The reasons for this seem to be: - always available - (perceived to be) free - makes me feel good - gives instructions - creates useful lists - writes letters/draft emails - tells me what to say - I can be completely open with it /1 - ThreadSky

petraboynton.bsky.social • 14 days ago

I'm increasingly hearing AI is better than a 'real' therapist. The reasons for this seem to be:
- always available
- (perceived to be) free
- makes me feel good
- gives instructions
- creates useful lists
- writes letters/draft emails
- tells me what to say
- I can be completely open with it

/1

Reposted from Peter Tennant, PhD

"My AI therapist got me through dark times"

< in a competitive field, the notion of an AI 'therapist' may win the award for the most ignorant and inappropriate use of AI

At the heart of therapy is a human relationship. This is fundamentally not possible with an AI.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

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petraboynton.bsky.social•14 days ago

It's worth unpacking why people prefer AI as a therapist as there are well documented issues about barriers to therapy due to access, shame, availability, cost.

BUT a lot of the reasons why people say they like AI for has little to do with therapy. The things AI provides for them isn't therapy. /2

petraboynton.bsky.social•14 days ago

Therapy may sometimes leave you feeling uncomfortable, challenged or upset but a good therapist will help you navigate that and ensure therapy itself doesn't cause/worsen trauma.

But a therapist isn't there to make you feel good or affirm all you say. Questioning and reflection is key too. /3

petraboynton.bsky.social•14 days ago

It also shows how many people struggle with daily life, admin, executive functioning and communication (me included!). A therapist might help with some of this but what AI's often doing (writing a letter, summarising your issues as a checklist) is more a mix of coach and personal assistant. /4

petraboynton.bsky.social•14 days ago

The fact people are struggling so much to manage feelings, decisions, communication etc indicates (IMO) they develop a relationship with AI where they attribute all kinds of positive feelings to it and believe it has skills way beyond what it's actually providing. Lists, summaries, echoing. /5

petraboynton.bsky.social•14 days ago

Interestingly, if therapists were to do this routinely, clients wouldn't like it (particularly just the feeding back exactly what you said as a checklist). It would feel uncanny, hollow. But with AI "it feels as if it knows me". /6

petraboynton.bsky.social•14 days ago

We could argue this is no different than calling a helpline or an automated chat service. Particularly in the middle of the night when few are around to help. Or through the day if you don't want to burden others. Or if you struggle with communication and trust. But there is a difference /7

simplyunderstand.bsky.social•14 days ago

I think some people find the 'not real' aspect very compelling. The same way a person might gain solace hugging a pet but not another person - a person is perceived as potentially judgemental in a way a chatbot or a beagle can never be.

petraboynton.bsky.social•14 days ago

Yes I completely get that. It's very similar with people writing to advice columns. When I reply to them they're often shocked as they don't believe they're real or assume there's nobody on the other end reading or responding. Same goes for publishing, people often are surprised that happens too!

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