Rely on social bonding, not AI to curb suicidal tendency: Experts

In modern society, where digital technology and AI chatbots have made many aspects of life easier, trusting these virtual companions in times of mental health crisis may be riddled with innumerable risks.

“AI chatbots can give made-up answers, but their ‘understanding’ and ‘empathy’ are artificial. They can neither truly listen to your problems nor identify dangerous mental symptoms in time,” observed Dr Hitesh Khurana, a professor at the Department of Psychiatry at Rohtak PGIMS, in a statement issued on September 10, which is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day.

Khurana said it was important to understand that social media and digital platforms could also have a profound negative impact on mental health.

“The practice of constantly comparing oneself with others, self-evaluation based on ‘likes’ and ‘followers’, online bullying and wasting time on virtual relationships increases loneliness, dissatisfaction and depression in a person,” he stated.

Consultant psychiatrist Prof (Dr) Sujata Sethi said many studies also showed that spending too much time on social media could lead to sleep problems, lack of attention, low self-esteem and increased suicidal tendencies. “Such digital platforms provide false connection, but not real emotional support,” she asserted.

Dr Sidharth Arya, an associate professor of psychiatry, stated that a large number of people felt lonely and stressful due to fast-paced life, which might lead to taking extreme steps like suicide.

“Regular physical activity like yoga, morning/evening walk, exercise and social interaction are must to banish suicidal thoughts,” he said.

Dr Khushboo, a junior resident doctor at the department, said research results had clearly shown that chatbots did not provide emotional security, and might even aggravate suicidal or self-harming tendencies.

“When a person asks a question related to suicide or self-harm online, the chatbot can give general or disorganised information instead of understanding the gravity of the problem, which can be dangerous,” she cautioned.

The doctors agree that technology has also proved to be helpful, like some AI tools are helping in identifying such problems and connecting to necessary help and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

They state that if a person is unable to reach a psychiatrist, he/she can take the help of a recognised chatbot, but this help should also be taken only after consulting a psychiatrist.

“Research is still ongoing on the planned use of AI in mental problems,” the doctors said.