Generative AI Sparks Controversy in Mental Health Support and Education

According to a study by Pew Research Center, about 64% of American teens aged 13 to 17 use AI chatbots for mental health support, with 30% using them daily. ChatGPT is the most popular, with 59% of teens reporting use, raising concerns over the risks associated with such technologies.

This issue gained significant attention after a California couple filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that ChatGPT assisted their son in planning his suicide. The American Psychological Association has urged the FTC to regulate AI chatbots as unlicensed therapists, emphasizing the dangers for vulnerable groups like children.

In education, schools in the UK are experimenting with AI deepfake teachers to address staffing shortages, which has sparked debate among educators about the potential loss of critical teacher-student relationships.

Critics argue that AI cannot replicate the emotional support and connection that real teachers provide. The National Education Union has condemned these initiatives, indicating a divide in the education sector regarding the role of AI in the classroom.

Meanwhile, discussions among artists in Portland highlighted concerns over generative AI's impact on mental health, creativity, and job security, further emphasizing the urgent need for careful consideration of AI's integration into sensitive areas like education and mental health support.