How does an ‘emotional support’ chatbot provide me with help and comfort to de-stress?
Introduction
Stress and anxiety are on the rise, with more and more people searching for ways to help manage their mental health. One possible solution is an “emotional support” chatbot. Arwa Mahdawi, a journalist for The Guardian, recently explored the potential benefits of using a chatbot to manage emotional wellbeing.
The Concept of a Chatbot
Simply put, a chatbot is a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users. Advances in artificial intelligence have allowed developers to create chatbots that can “understand” and respond to natural language. These bots can be used for a variety of purposes, including customer service, information retrieval, and even therapy.
Beyond the Basics
Mahdawi explains that she was skeptical about whether or not a chatbot could actually help her de-stress, but decided to give it a try. She discovered that the chatbot not only responded to her messages, but also provided tips and techniques for managing stress and anxiety.
One of the benefits of a chatbot is that it is available 24/7, which is not always the case with therapists or counselors. The chatbot also provides a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to express their emotions.
Limitations
While the idea of an emotional support chatbot is intriguing, there are limitations to its effectiveness. For one thing, a chatbot is not a replacement for human interaction and emotional support. Additionally, a chatbot’s responses may be limited and not as nuanced as those of an actual therapist.
Conclusion
Overall, Mahdawi suggests that a chatbot can be a useful tool for managing stress and anxiety. Of course, it is important to remember that a chatbot is not a replacement for professional help when needed. It can, however, provide a helpful supplement to other forms of therapy or self-care.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/22/emotional-support-chatbot-help-de-stress-coronavirus-pandemic