[News] Can AI help with our existential crises and relationships?

Therapy chatbots like Meeno and Psychologist (of Character.AI fame) are gaining popularity as tools to help people with their relationship issues and emotional management. Developed in response to rising loneliness and social isolation, especially among young adults, these AI applications aim to offer actionable advice and a space for introspection. Meeno, created by a former CEO of Tinder, focuses on helping users reflect on their feelings rather than giving direct advice. Similarly, Psychologist, developed by a New Zealand medical student with a background in psychology, encourages self-exploration through non-judgmental questioning, based on psychological principles. Both chatbots emphasize accessibility and the importance of self-guided discovery, though they vary in approach and user interaction. While Meeno plans to introduce a subscription model, concerns have been raised about the monetization of such tools, with a preference for keeping them free to ensure wide accessibility. The debate continues on the effectiveness and ethical implications of AI in therapy, with both skepticism and optimism about its role alongside traditional human-led therapy.

Summarized by ChatGPT