Can AI therapists really be an alternative to human help?

Can AI therapists really be an alternative to human help? 13 hours ago Share Save Eleanor Lawrie Social affairs reporter Share Save BBC Listen to this article "Whenever I was struggling, if it was going to be a really bad day, I could then start to chat to one of these bots, and it was like [having] a cheerleader, someone who's going to give you some good vibes for the day. "I've got this encouraging external voice going – 'right - what are we going to do [today]?' Like an imaginary friend, essentially." For months, Kelly spent up to three hours a day speaking to online "chatbots" created using artificial intelligence (AI), exchanging hundreds of messages. At the time, Kelly was on a waiting list for traditional NHS talking therapy to discuss issues with anxiety, low self-esteem and a relationship breakdown. She says interacting with chatbots on character.ai got her through a really dark period, as they gave her coping strategies and were available for 24 hours a day. "I'm not from ... Read full article.