Would you rather speak to a human?

So it has come time for you to start to think that you might need a bit of help in life. It may be that you are experiencing anxiety at work or school, perhaps you are up late worrying about relationships or your direction in life…

In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile applications to support mental health has surged. While these technologies offer convenience and accessibility, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and limitations they may present.

Lack of Personalisation and Human Empathy

AI-driven tools often lack the ability to fully understand the complexity of human emotions. Unlike trained therapists, AI systems do not possess genuine empathy or the nuanced judgement necessary to respond effectively to unique personal circumstances. Indeed they are not even close to being able to spot the quiver in your voice or the change in body language that comes with emotion.This can lead to generic advice or misinterpretation of users’ feelings, which may ultimately hold back progress rather than support it.

Privacy and Data Security Concerns

Mental health apps frequently collect sensitive personal data, including emotional states, behavioural patterns, and sometimes biometric information. Perhaps it sounds paranoid, but we must remain cautious about how our data is stored, shared, and protected. Breaches of confidentiality or misuse of data by third parties pose significant risks, potentially leading to unintended consequences for the user’s privacy and well-being. With a properly qualified and accredited therapist of any kind, the client comes first and their security and safety is paramount, not profit.

Risk of Delayed Professional Help

Relying heavily on AI or apps as a primary source of support can result in users delaying or avoiding professional mental health care. These technologies are not a substitute for face-to-face interaction and treatments carried out by qualified mental health practitioners. In cases involving severe or complex conditions, self-help tools may be inadequate and even harmful if they give a false sense of security. I recently spoke to a client who had started having conversations with AI. Was the computer able to tell that this was a sign of instability? Your stress, concerns or worries are visible to a human therapist in a way that they will hopefully never be to a phone or computer screen.

Oversimplification of Mental Health Issues

Mental health conditions can often require comprehensive, multifaceted approaches to treatment, including therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and social support. Many apps attempt to distil this complexity into simplified exercises or mood tracking, which can overlook critical aspects of diagnosis and care. The risk is that users might underestimate the seriousness of their condition or misinterpret the results offered by these tools. How many of us have “Googled” an illness or asked AI to diagnose us, only to be presented with information that is relevant to people living on another continent. Emotional problems or issues so complex as eating, sleeping or relationships are unique to us as humans- not something that your favourite AI or recently downloaded mindfulness app can identify, let alone bring you relief from.

Potential for Overreliance and Reduced Social Interaction

Prolonged dependence on AI and apps may inadvertently reduce real-life social interactions and opportunities to build genuine relationships. Social support is a cornerstone of mental health recovery, and overreliance on digital interfaces can lead to further isolation, compounding existing mental health challenges. Having the strength to contact a real live therapist, whether they practice Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy or Counselling is a huge part of telling yourself you want to make a positive change to your life.

While AI and mental health apps have an important role in increasing access to support, it is vital to acknowledge their limitations and potential negative effects. They should be considered as supplementary tools rather than replacements for professional, personalised care. Users must exercise caution, prioritise data security, and seek professional advice from a real person who can see their distress. It’s all too easy to listen to what your phone is telling you. Yet, consider how many years humanity has been helping itself and then wonder how much your shiny new digital assistant can actually do to help you.