The field of psychology in the 21st century will predominantly focus on the interplay between humans and machines, as asserted by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Serge Tisseron.
Meet Serge Tisseron, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with an eye on technology's impact on our relationships. Co-directing the University Diploma in Cyberpsychology at Paris Cité University, this fellow penned The Day My Robot Will Love Me (Albin Michel, 2015). As we delve into the world of digital companionship, he offers a cautionary perspective.
Enter the landscape of start-ups betting on chatbots, like Replika, Character.ai, and Butterfly.ai, for a decade. Are we indeed standing on the precipice of a fundamental shift in AI usage?
Absolutely, we're heading in a more intimate direction with AI. Clues have been hinting at this trajectory for a while. Let's take a trip down memory lane: the debut of the first AI, dubbed "Eliza," in 1966, mimicked psychotherapy conversations. Even back then, the software's ability to elicit emotion moved its creators to form emotional bonds. The project's mastermind, [Joseph Weizenbaum, 1923-2008], was taken aback, expressing sentiments that every AI aspirant should ponder: "I never imagined a simple machine could fool normal folks like this."
Shaping up the AI-Human Relationship
Cyberpsychology delves into how humans interact with technology, including AI. It investigates the effects of AI on our emotions, social interactions, and self-perception.
AI is increasingly making strides in psychotherapy, often referred to as e-therapy or cybertherapy. These digital tools can be potent in treating anxiety and depression, employing methods like computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT).
Social media plays a significant role in the lives of young users, shaping self-esteem, aggression, and resilience.
AI is also making inroads in education, offering personalized learning paths, tapping into emotional and behavioral responses among learners, and merging AI's capabilities with traditional teaching methods.
Ethical concerns loom large in this landscape: equity, access, and ethical implications in digital educational systems all require careful attention.
Cracking the Code of AI-human Interaction
The emotional responses and choices we make in AI-assisted environments are ripe for exploration in cyberpsychology. The same goes for online relationships and social interactions. Finally, the impact of AI on psychological well-being is crucial, as it can influence self-esteem and motivation.
- As we advance in the proliferation of chatbots like Replika, Character.ai, and Butterfly.ai, one might wonder if we are witnessing a fundamental shift in artificial-intelligence usage, much like psychoanalyst and cyberpsychology expert Serge Tisseron suggests.
- In the realm of AI, psychotherapists are now employing digital tools for e-therapy or cybertherapy, using computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) and other methods to treat anxiety and depression.
- Notably, technology's influence extends beyond therapy, as AI is making inroads in education, offering personalized learning paths and merging AI's capabilities with traditional teaching methods.
- As AI continues to interact more intimately with humans, it is essential to critically examine the ethical implications, particularly concerning equity, access, and the psychological well-being of users, key concerns in cyberpsychology research.
