For a bot in the future: why AI can't replace a psychologist yet
A new victory for artificial intelligence — chatbots are being turned to for psychological help and astrological forecasts. The neural network will give advice, make a forecast and pay a compliment at any moment. Izvestia found out who is behind paid astrological chatbots, what is the danger of "heart-to-heart conversations" with a smart speaker, what are the advantages of communicating with a neural network, and whether artificial intelligence will compete with real psychologists and astrologers.
Lack of empathy
Theoretically, artificial intelligence can replace specialists in "helping professions" after some time, psychologist Yuri Kudryavtsev does not exclude. But not in the near future, as he is not yet smart enough and trained, and, more importantly, does not have empathy.
— A machine cannot experience emotions and empathize, but is only able to "play" emotions, imitating a living being, — emphasizes the interlocutor of Izvestia. — Please note: when you communicate with any bot, you realize after a second that it is not a human being and you begin to feel something very similar to loneliness. This is already enough to prove that artificial intelligence cannot handle our work yet.
In his opinion, the use of an AI "psychologist" can be justified only in cases where it is necessary to take a test or questionnaire.
— The main danger of communicating with a bot is that a person receives a mechanical unsubscription, seeking the basis of psychological help — emotional support, — the psychologist complains. — This can be perceived as rejection and can lead to tragic consequences, which has already happened in the West.
As an experiment, the Izvestia correspondent asked the Russian chatbot several standard questions that are in demand from psychologists. It turned out that AI stands on the side of family values, and if a person complains of fatigue at work and burnout, he strongly advises to consult a specialist.
— And this is an undoubted advantage of our bot, — says Yuri Kudryavtsev. — Here we see not a mechanical unsubscription, as in Western AI bots, which has already led to tragic consequences, but a really useful recommendation.
The editorial interlocutor believes that if you wish, you can consult with AI about everything in the world, except mental and physical health issues.
— Here is the same picture as with self-medication based on Internet recommendations and a passion for traditional medicine, which cripples more than it heals, — says the specialist. — A person who is able to think critically will not conduct a series of unforgettable experiments with his health and psyche. He will consult a doctor or a psychologist.
Nevertheless, AI has not only the future, but also the present, the expert admits. Neural networks already play an important role in human life in various fields, including medicine.
— For example, he will scrupulously decode CT or MRI images, — explains Yuri Kudryavtsev. — But I'm not sure that a smart speaker will soon replace an ordinary psychologist. Still, the lack of real empathy, characteristic of live communication, will not have the desired effect.
A real psychologist approaches a person more precisely, emphasizes Alina Koroleva, Candidate of Psychological Sciences. The professional's recommendations and consultations are selective. Usually, in the process of communication between two people, those practices are chosen that will really shift the human condition. But the AI gives out too long a list of recommendations, which can demotivate their implementation.
— In inquiries addressed to AI, a lot depends on the quality of the question asked, — warns the editorial interlocutor. — If the request is formulated incorrectly, you may receive an answer that has nothing to do with you at all. You can come to a psychologist without a precise understanding and request, and he will understand the problem.
A virtual man and his compliments
Nevertheless, Russians are increasingly trying to find a sincere "friend" in AI, with whom they can discuss a new outfit, or even a "fan" who can say a pleasant compliment. Yuri Kudryavtsev believes that if a woman often consults with bots about her appearance, throwing off her photos, then one can talk about a break with reality and even mental health problems. Dependence on likes on social networks is increasingly being replaced by dependence on the approval of artificial intelligence.
— When a woman plunges headlong into virtual reality, she loses the chance to arrange a personal life, — warns the psychologist. — As a rule, such behavior is based on a traumatic experience of communicating with the male world — a father, spouse, or just an acquaintance who left a deep, painful wound in her soul. And she has an unconscious fear of repeating a traumatic scenario, so it's safer to communicate with an artificial "man" who won't offend and will always support.
To prevent the bot craze from leading to a negative ending, the expert recommends contacting a live psychologist or psychotherapist who will help you find yourself in the real world.
"It's completely pointless to analyze your life situation with a chat, pouring out your soul to it, since any AI tool will give an analysis based not on a specific life situation, but on the basis of a squeeze from the global Internet," the expert emphasizes.
Alina Koroleva also warns that talking to an AI like a real person is dangerous. There is a high risk of developing an addiction to artificial friendliness and a break with reality.
— The skills of live communication are lost, the desire to communicate with people decreases, and avoidance of difficulties appears, — the candidate of psychological sciences lists the problems. — AI is friendly and predictable, but real people are so complicated. In real life, you need to look for a key to every person. But isolation from live communication with certain mental constructs leads to mental disorders. If a person has a predisposition to mental disorders, then they will develop when communicating with AI.
The source notes that the emergence of social networks and dating sites has already led to greater social loneliness in the crowd. Humans are social creatures, so AI, which they communicate with instead of humans, will further increase the problems.
Alina Koroleva also draws attention to the issue of information security when communicating with chatbots. She advises you to remember that no one knows where information trusted on the Internet gets to and for what purposes it can be used. The same psychologist is bound by professional secrecy, but the virtual advisor is not.
Should I trust astrologers from the Internet
Anna Guseva, a practicing psychologist and astrologer, explained to Izvestia that both artificial intelligence and humans are behind paid astrologer bots, depending on the service. There are two types in operation now — fully automated and hybrid, she stressed.
— The first is AI, which simply collects information from open sources: databases, articles, books. The bot processes it and issues "lunar forecasts" through algorithms. Of course, there are no people involved in this process. The bot takes the date of birth, calculates the birth chart using standard formulas, finding interpretations of planets and aspects in the database, and completes this text," the expert comments.
From the point of view of astrology, this cheapest and most popular option gives an error of 70%, the editorial interlocutor draws attention to.
— As for hybrid bots, in this case, artificial intelligence generates a basic forecast, but behind it are people — astrologers and copywriters who edit the text. They add personalization and answer difficult questions. Bots act as an interface: a simple and convenient shell for communicating with a real astrologer. This is an expensive option, but a real person works here," adds Anna Guseva.
Sometimes the client pays for the illusion of an individual approach. An elegant interface may hide a person who has nothing to do with either astrology or psychology, she warns.
— Of course, the question always arises: who earns money from this? Most often, they are bot developers and marketers. Some astrologers sometimes just "share" a name — they sell their platforms and receive a commission. This is an industry where astrology, like fortune—telling, is turning into a digital product," the specialist continues.
A practicing psychologist notes that sometimes people do not need the accuracy of a forecast, but emotional support, the illusion of control over the future, and confirmation of their hopes. And they get it. When a bot throws Tarot cards in applications and gives an answer, 70% of people will say: "Yes, I have a match, it's like it's about me."
— In general, people turn to specialists and bots to relieve anxiety. After the "consultation" it becomes easier for them. The bot gives out common phrases that can be interpreted in any way. Experts call this the Barnum effect. People believe in descriptions that seem personal, but actually fit everyone," explains the astrologer.
Competitive ability
AI can definitely compete with an astrologer or fortune teller, but it is not able to fully absorb these areas, says Anna Guseva. Both of these activities are not about precision, but rather about emotional connection.
— AI is great at making mass forecasts, it can calculate a birth chart in seconds, make a forecast for a year, and analyze planetary transits — quickly, cheaply, and affordably. But the bot only provides people with an average scenario with template interpretations, using only standard, basic astrological positions — the Sun in a particular sign at the time of birth, the expert explains.
The main advantage of an "astrologer" or "psychologist" bot is 24/7 availability, she emphasizes. AI does not sleep, does not go on vacation, does not require recording. It is always available. Communication with artificial intelligence, according to Anna Guseva, is convenient for those who need a quick response here and now, especially for anxious people.
The psychologist does not deny the positive effect of instant "therapy", but draws attention to the negative aspects. For example, AI is not always encouraging with optimistic forecasts. A bot devoid of an individual approach can give an overly categorical answer that can plunge a person into despair, while a "living" psychologist or astrologer takes into account the details, understands emotions, reads the subtext.
— An important point is emotional support. People go to real specialists not only for a forecast, but also for live support, understanding, and empathy. The AI is still giving out text, not participation. So individuality and emotional connection are still in demand. People pay for live communication, for understanding, for the feeling that they are seen, their condition is felt," the practicing psychologist points out.
AI for Aquarius and Sagittarius
From the point of view of astrology, AI can still rely on mass requests of only four signs. Aquarius, Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius trust artificial intelligence more than others.
Aquarius is a sign of technology, innovation, and the future. These people easily adopt new approaches and methods, including using AI to gain information. Rationality and logic are important to them, not the emotional component. Therefore, they are able to become interested in such bots before others," says Anna Guseva.
Gemini, she says, likes experimentation and diversity. They value speed and convenience, so they often choose AI as a source of fast information. They are not even interested in the forecast, but in the very process of interaction with technology.
Scrupulous Virgos prefer a structured and logical approach, the astrologer notes. Working with algorithms and calculations is in keeping with their nature. They trust data and analysis, considering calculations more important than intuitive methods.
— Sagittarians like to try new things and experiment, — continues the interlocutor of Izvestia. — They are open to various sources of information, including AI. However, they tend to check and compare different opinions, choosing the source that seems most convincing to them.
Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio, Taurus, Leo and Capricorn are signs that prefer real communication, emphasizes Anna Guseva. She notes:
— vulnerable Cancers need emotional support and understanding. AI's cold and objective responses do not satisfy their needs for warmth and empathy. They seek personal consultations with real people.;
— Pisces themselves have strong intuition and sensitivity. They perceive the world through mysticism and spirituality, so they believe that AI is devoid of soul and magic. A living specialist who works with intuition is closer to them.;
— Scorpios are looking for depth and individual approaches. They are not content with superficial answers and prefer professional astrologers who can offer a deeper analysis.;
— Taurus is conservative and relies on proven methods. He tends to trust traditional approaches and live experts whom he knows personally or by recommendation.;
— Leo strives for attention and recognition. Communication with a living person gives him a sense of significance and uniqueness. Support and praise are important for this sign, and it is difficult to get it from AI.;
— Capricorns value professionalism and reputation. They would rather turn to a trusted specialist than rely on the unpredictability of AI. Reliability and stability are more important to them than experimentation.
But Libra and Aries, according to Guseva, are somewhere in the middle, combining curiosity about new things with a preference for personal contact.
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