The Rise of AI Therapists: Are They a Solution or a Risk?

ESSpain|

An increasing number of individuals are turning to AI-powered chatbots, known as "psychobots," for mental health support, igniting debates over their effectiveness and ethical implications. According to experts, these tools can offer temporary relief for psychological discomfort but fail to deliver substantial long-term benefits. Jodi Halpern from UC Berkeley raised concerns about the manipulation involved when machines simulate human empathy, labeling it a form of emotional manipulation.

Startups such as Wysa and Youper are marketed as therapeutic alternatives, providing cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques and emotional support. However, critics argue many of these companies sidestep professional accountability in their advertising, targeting vulnerable individuals struggling with mental health issues. Research published in 2023 highlighted that while these bots may offer short-term help, they cannot replicate the nuanced understanding and empathy of human therapists, which are vital to successful therapy.

Experts like Miguel Bellosta Batalla emphasize the importance of human connection in therapy and warn against normalizing low-quality mental health services, which could deepen societal inequalities in access to professional care.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Spain

Major Breakthrough in Evolutionary Biology Reveals Path from Simple to Complex Cells

A new study has unveiled insights into how simple cells evolved into complex life forms over two billion years ago. Conducted by researchers from Spain and published in the journal PNAS, the research attributes this evolutionary leap to the limitations in protein size, which forced an essential shift in genetic regulation, as explained by co-author Jordi Bascompte of the University of Zurich. Historically, the transition from prokaryotic cells (simple bacteria) to eukaryotic cells (more complex organisms) has puzzled scientists. Bascompte cites British biochemist Nick Lane's assertion regarding the lack of known intermediaries between these cellular forms. The research posits that as proteins could no longer elongate effectively, cells began utilizing non-coding parts of DNA, such as introns, leading to new genetic regulatory strategies. Biotechnologist César de la Fuente from the University of Pennsylvania praised the study's interdisciplinary approach, noting its potential to explain the complexity of multicellular organisms. The collaborative effort from various scientific disciplines reflects a quest for answers that has spanned three decades, illustrating the intricate relationship between biology and computational algorithms.
ESSpain

Glaciers Losing Ice at Alarming Rate, Warns World Meteorological Organization

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a stark warning that the world's glaciers are losing ice at an unprecedented rate, equating to three Olympic-sized swimming pools every second. This announcement coincides with the first World Glacier Day on March 21, amidst the International Year of Glaciers’ Conservation. According to the WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, the rapid retreat of glaciers presents a serious threat to global economies and ecosystems, with implications reaching far beyond mountain regions. Recent research published in *Nature*, led by the World Glacier Monitoring Service, reveals that glaciers have lost an average of 273 billion tons of ice annually since 2000, with a 36% increase in ice loss in the last decade. This study indicates that glaciers in regions like the Alps and Pyrenees have suffered the most, with potential long-term impacts on freshwater supplies, particularly in Asia. The report emphasizes the urgent need for climate action, as failing to mitigate further warming could result in the loss of many glaciers globally by the end of the century, potentially raising sea levels by 30–35 centimeters.
ESSpain

Luis Rubiales Found Guilty of Sexual Assault in Hermoso Case

Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexually assaulting player Jenni Hermoso by kissing her without consent after the Women's World Cup final in August 2023. Spain's High Court has ordered Rubiales to pay a fine exceeding €10,000 (approximately $11,000) but acquitted him of coercion, according to court documents. During the trial, Hermoso testified that she "never" consented to the kiss, calling the incident a "taint" on what was otherwise "one of the happiest days" of her life. Rubiales, 47, claimed the kiss was consensual and occurred in a "moment of jubilation." However, the controversy overshadowed Spain's historic victory, prompting widespread discussions around sexism in sports and the push for equal treatment of female athletes. The case and its ramifications have sparked significant public debate and advocacy for greater accountability and respect for women in sports. The ruling marks a pivotal moment in the evolving conversation about consent and harassment in the sporting world.
ESSpain
All Spain News ->