Artificial: made, produced, or done by humans especially to seem like something natural 

Authentic: not false or an imitation; real

I am a millennial, born in 1985. I grew up liking movies such as The Terminator and RoboCop. At that time, the idea of robots taking over the world seemed so farfetched and entertaining. However, when the movie I, Robot was released, I had immediate apprehension of what technology could turn into. In middle school, we learned what Google was and how to use it; it baffled me that I could type a word and information instantly appeared. I remember almost having a panic attack if I accidentally pressed the Internet button on my Nokia cellphone because it would be a charge on the bill. The idea that I can meet “friends” in other states online was mind-blowing! The invention of the iPod was so cool because I didn’t have to carry a big CD case with my portable CD player! When smartphones arrived, I thought it was “too much” and kept my Blackberry until it died forcing me to get a smart phone. I struggled to understand the concept of an app and why they were needed on the phone that I used just for phone calls and texts. Then the smart cars and appliances began to take over and I adapted to the norm of technology in our life experiences.

A couple years ago, a teen client of mine shared something called Chat GPT and I was again confused… so you’re saying you can have this “thing” write a document for you? Again, I was apprehensive about it and finally learned how it works in the last 6 months. Thanks to a friend of mine giving me a tutorial on how it can help me when I felt overwhelmed creating an updated summary of my career experience, I finally saw the benefits and have been using it for personal and professional needs. 

Given my experience of watching technology expand during my lifetime, the use of AI for human engagement and companionship does not surprise me.  Although I have apprehension in response to technology advancements, I eventually learn, engage with it and appreciate the benefits. However, I became rather concerned when I noticed people saying they have a Chat GPT Therapist. Huh!! I raised an eyebrow when a client of mine shared that they turned to AI when they were having a mental health challenge and it suggested some positive ideas, but to say it is your therapist is something different. 

In my opinion, to rely solely on artificial intelligence for mental health therapy is very limiting. Yes, it can provide some great information and therapeutic ideas, but it is not a human being with experiences, feelings, and perspectives. A mental health therapist has earned a Master’s and/or Doctorate degree, completed years of therapeutic training, passed licensing exams, completed licensing requirements, and engages in continuous learning. We learn how to hear and see what our clients are saying and not saying. We can recall small details and connect ideas and experiences that seem unrelated to help people find meaning and healing. We smile, laugh and hold space for our clients to feel emotions and be heard. We hug and high five our clients. We hand them tissues, mints, fidget items, and toys when they need comfort and regulation. Therapists are real people and a very important aspect of what makes therapy successful is the relationship between a client and their therapist. It requires trust, authenticity, respect, vulnerability and intentionality. 

So maybe I am a millennial who is again apprehensive about the next upgrade with technology, but I do believe we need to be careful that we use artificial intelligence as a supplement to and not the total replacement of authentic mental health therapy. 

AI gives you information…human connection gives you love.