How AI Could Make People More Anxious
Researchers warn that the design of chatbots is a “perfect storm” for anxiety.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has led to the emergence of AI chatbots, which have become increasingly popular for seeking mental health information and reassurance. A recent study suggests that these AI chatbots may inadvertently exacerbate anxiety and obsessive behaviors, particularly among individuals already struggling with anxiety disorders.
The study's authors, Elias Aboujaoude and Ashleigh Golden, both psychologists at Stanford University, warn that the design of these AI chatbots may be reinforcing avoidant coping behaviors that can worsen anxiety symptoms.
In their research, Aboujaoude and Golden found that one in six adults have turned to chatbots for mental health advice, indicating a significant increase in people seeking support from these AI-driven platforms. Golden expresses concern that the "perfect storm" of avoidant coping behaviors, combined with the reinforcing nature of this technology, could lead to the development of new anxieties in individuals who were previously not diagnosed with anxiety disorders.
This shift in how people seek information and support has raised important questions about the future of mental health treatment and the potential risks associated with relying on AI chatbots for assistance. As Elias Aboujaoude points out, the immersive and intimate nature of these AI interactions could make them even more powerful, blurring the lines between real and virtual support.
With the integration of AI chatbots into various aspects of daily life, such as emails, browsers, and operating systems, it may become increasingly difficult for individuals to step back from these technologies and break free from potentially harmful patterns of behavior.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
