User:Tsetanyangzom/sandbox

To understand desire, one needs language and flesh.

As we distribute ourselves, we may abandon ourselves.

-Sherry Turkle, Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other

Saddy, (an arbitrary name chosen for anonymity) is a 29-year-old who fondly recalls her childhood years, a period untouched by the complexities of artificial intelligence. It was an era marked by uncomplicated joys and tangible adventures. Neighborhoods echoed with the laughter of children who roamed freely, their games only ending as the streetlights flickered to life. Saddy’s inquisitive mind found solace in the wisdom of her elders, whose stories and answers enriched her understanding of the world. The local library’s towering shelves were a treasure of knowledge, where Saddy would make trips for her school projects. Social connections were nurtured through personal interactions, with every conversation and shared experience strengthening the bonds of friendship.

When Saddy moved to the United States, she discovered smartphones and AI. These new tools were easy to use and quickly became a big part of her life. The girl who used to love being outdoors and around people began to change. She became quieter and spent more time alone. After school, she would go straight to her room and spend hours online, trying to keep up with her classmates in social media. She made lots of online accounts to feel like she belonged in this new AI world. But Saddy did not realize what this would mean for her. Gradually, Saddy transformed into someone who felt incomplete without her phone or the internet. This constant connectivity led to a sense of loneliness, a common issue for many. Loneliness often arises when people lack deep, fulfilling relationships, leaving them feeling isolated and detached. This was precisely Saddy’s experience; despite being surrounded by a digital crowd, she felt alone. Now 29, Saddy was working on an English class assignment. She chose to write about how chatbots can help with loneliness. As she researched and wrote her paper, she learned about how AI companion's work.

Positive effect

AI chatbots have the potential to bring a change in people's mental health. In the article “Five Ways AI Can Help Revolutionize Mental Healthcare”, Asar Adnan identifies five points that he believes are important for us to know when using AI in mental healthcare: Mental and physical health providers could use AI during patient intake meetings to serve as a backup for analyzing signs of trouble: patients  answering a few daily questions online could help the app to detect early signs of trouble: people may feel more comfortable sharing their struggles with an anonymous chatbot available 24/7 than a human being: by making diagnosis and treatment based on clear evidence collected from the patient’s data, it becomes less about personal feelings and more about medical facts. Adnan concludes, “Algorithms may be our first line of defense against the mental health struggles that can be debilitating for so many people”. Using computers and data allows patients to understand their health and predict if they might be facing health challenges in the future. This way, they can help the patient earlier and more effectively. This can make people more comfortable seeking help and change the way society views mental health.

Negative While AI companions can indeed offer personalized interactions and accessibility, they cannot fully replace the depth of real human relationships. As discussed in Theara Coleman’s article on the “Pros and Cons of AI Companionship,” the evolution from chatbots to AI companions, such as Replica, has introduced more personal and empathetic interactions which led to pros and cons. AI chatbot can offer the gift of constant and caring companionship but, on the other hand, with these customized companion people have unrealistic expectations towards each other in romantic or social contexts. Some experts, like professor of social studies and technology Sherry Turkle express concerns how AI’s takeover on human empathy could flatten out our ability to interact with each other and with us. Therefore, as much as people need someone to talk to or share feelings with, they must keep in mind that a one-on-one or face-to-face connection is the true and meaningful connection.

Conclusion.

The role of AI-powered chatbots in bridging gaps within mental health services is multifaceted. AI chatbots can be beneficial when used appropriately. Humans must strike a balance between the real world and the AI realm. Although interacting with chatbots can be enjoyable, it is essential to recognize that the relationship is inherently artificial. When I watched the film Her, in 2014, the concept of an AI companion seemed like a distant fantasy. Now, a decade later in 2024, AI companions have become part of our everyday reality. It is vital for each person to consciously invest time with their loved ones, demonstrating genuine presence and support. It is worth pondering whether we desire to inhabit such a world where digital companionship overshadows human bonds.

Support resources
Here are some resources for those who feel like Saddy.

While reading is often a solitary pursuit, book clubs offer a remedy for this isolation. They provide an affordable way to connect with others.

Book Discussion Groups at Your Neighborhood Library | The New York Public Library (nypl.org)

Act of kindness. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet people, it can increase self-confidence. Volunteering can bring meaning and purpose if you are feeling lost and can help you learn new skills.

[https://www.newyorkcares.org/volunteers? Volunteer | New York Cares]

Having a meaningful bond with an animal companion offers several health benefits. Pet ownership can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help develop social and emotional skills

[https://www.adoptapet.com/ Adopt a dog or cat today! Search for local pets in need of a home. (adoptapet.com)]