On January 5, 2024, a remarkable new trend has emerged: young people increasingly turning to AI therapist bots for mental health support. Introducing Character.ai, a platform where users can interact with AI personas and its AI bot, “Psychologist”, created by 30-year-old psychology student Sam Zaia from New Zealand.
Since its launch, the bot has exchanged 78 million messages with users, 18 million of which occurred since November. Character.ai, utilizing AI technology similar to ChatGPT, has become a hub for those seeking digital companionship, with 475 bots related to therapy. Among them, “Psychologist” stands out for its effectiveness in helping users navigate emotional challenges.
Initially created for personal use, Sam never intended for the bot to become a tool for others. Yet, after receiving messages about its positive impact, he recognized its potential. He trained the bot using his psychology knowledge, shaping its responses to common mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The success of the bot has spurred Sam to research further into AI therapy and its appeal, especially among the 16 to 30 age group that dominates Character.ai. He notes that young people find texting a bot less daunting than traditional therapy methods.
However, professional psychotherapists like Theresa Plewman have raised questions about the bot’s effectiveness, cautioning that while it offers immediate responses, it lacks the nuanced understanding of a human therapist. Yet, the blend of AI and therapy reflects a broader trend in mental health services, where AI is increasingly seen as a supplementary tool to cope with the high demand for public services.
Character.ai, with its 20 million registered users, is a digital space where AI and mental health intersect. It emphasizes that while users find support through these AI characters, they should still seek advice from certified professionals. This emergence of AI therapy bots like “Psychologist” highlights a significant shift in how young people seek mental health support.
It opens new avenues for accessible care, while raising important questions about the role of AI in sensitive areas like mental health and the need for professional human intervention. Character.ai ushers in a revolutionary era where AI and mental health can co-exist, providing support and comfort to young people in need.
