HONOLULU (KHON2) — When people feel lonely or confused, they often turn to others for comfort. But more people are now turning to artificial intelligence for that comfort. They’re even turning to AI for spiritual advice or love. Some call it helpful while others see danger.
“It’s a tool,” said Haylin Dennison, LCSW, Executive Director at Spill The Tea Cafe. “Humans are going to utilize that tool, either for good or for bad or for everything in between.”
Haylin works with teenagers and young adults; and she’s spent two decades watching how people, especially kids, look for connection. Now, she sees some turning to artificial intelligence.
“I will admit; I use AI a lot,” said Haylin. “In business and also in social media.” But she warned, “It is not a replacement for an actual human, and nor is it a replacement for like therapy or mental health treatment.”
What AI says depends on what you feed it
Something to always remember is that ChatGPT gives answers based on what you ask. It is programed to interact in a certain way, and that way is to build up the user and encourage them to continue engaging with the technology.
“It will agree with you,” said Haylin. “If you have delusions, it will make it bigger… it will not argue with you.”
Some users ask ChatGPT about things like astrology. Others explore deep spiritual ideas.
“I want to be able to find a perfect soulmate, right? These are things that I think it can give you generic answers that can help you in your journey,” said Haylin. “However, I never want people to think that it’s a replacement for the actual human connection.”
People need people
After COVID-19, more people started to feel alone; and that feeling of loneliness has driven many to seek out unconditional support through nontraditaional relationships with artificial intelligence.
“There’s, like, a huge loneliness epidemic going on right now,” Haylin said. She sees a risk in people replacing real friendships and love with conversations from AI.
“When you notice that it’s taking you from real life interactions,” said Haylin, “it’s easier to hear an AI chatbot, like, agree with you the whole time. But then again, is that really life?”
She encourages and wans that parents need to pay attention.
“As parents, we need to be the ones to safeguard these things for our kids,” she explained.
How to know when AI is replacing real life
If you’re using AI more than you’re talking to friends or going outside, Haylin said to take notice.
“It can uncomfortable,” she said. “But am making an effort to put yourself out there, to reach out to a friend, to pick up the phone and have a conversation with someone will lead to nurturing those human relationships.”
The most important thing, Haylin said, is to be honest.
“It’s really important that we are honest with ourselves and we have that self-awareness to really instill those boundaries.”