How are You Using AI?

In a recent NPR article, reporter Rhitu Chatterjee discusses a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry. The article highlights the growing use of AI chatbots for companionship and emotional support. It also suggests that mental health providers should ask patients whether they use AI tools as part of their care.

Recent studies and surveys reveal that over half of U.S. teens use AI chatbots, with many using them for schoolwork and emotional support and seeking on sleep, diet, exercise and alcohol consumption.

We’re not saying that AI use is good or bad, just like we wouldn’t say substance use is necessarily good or bad, [or] consulting with a friend about something is good or bad.

Our job is to understand why people are behaving as they are — in this case, why they are seeking help from an AI system. And to learn about what it’s doing for them, what it’s not doing for them.
– Shaddy Saba,an assistant professor at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work (source: NPR)

Prof. Saba and co-authors’ recommendations align with the APA’s health advisory. They stress the importance of understanding a patient’s goals when using AI chatbots. Here are the key points from the NPR article:

Treasure trove of information: According to Prof. Saba, therapists are starting to explore how chatbots fit into therapy. Many clients share stressful experiences, relationship issues, and symptoms of anxiety or depression with these tools. This can give therapists useful insight into a client’s daily life and concerns. As Saba explains, it can also help guide clients on how to have safer conversations in real life and understand the limits of AI when trying to meet emotional needs.
Be curious, but don’t judge: Prof. Saba and colleagues suggest that therapists talk about AI use in a calm and open way. Asking simple, open-ended questions can help patients share their experiences. Chatbots may support therapy, but therapists should also talk about possible risks, including privacy concerns and the limits of AI in handling complex emotional issues.
Adopting the advice: Psychologist Cami Winkelspecht, who reportedly works with children and teens, is thinking about adding questions on social media and AI use to her intake forms. She told to NPR that she has seen more clients and parents asking how to use AI tools for schoolwork without breaking academic rules.

Winkelspecht told NPR, “We don’t always think about what kids are doing on their phones. It’s becoming clear that we need to pay more attention and start those conversations.”

Acknowledgement: This summary was generated using AI writing tools as part of my AI Explorations process. For more information, please refer to the original articles listed below.

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