AI的24小时心理陪伴，可能是一场「灾难」｜36氪专访

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of AI to serve as a psychological support tool, comparing its capabilities to human therapists and exploring the implications of this shift in mental health care [3][5]. Group 1: AI's Role in Mental Health - AI is increasingly being used as a temporary emotional support tool, with over a million users on Chat GPT expressing suicidal tendencies or emotional attachment [3][4]. - The low cost, 24/7 availability, and non-judgmental nature of AI make it an attractive alternative to traditional therapy, which can be expensive and less accessible [3][4]. - The emergence of AI could bridge the gap between professional psychological counseling and casual emotional support, creating a new service paradigm [4][5]. Group 2: Development of AI in Psychological Services - Simple Psychology, founded by Jian Lili, has developed an AI consulting assistant aimed at enhancing the quality of psychological services while maintaining a clear distinction from casual emotional support products [4][10]. - The AI product is designed to facilitate deeper conversations rather than providing surface-level companionship, focusing on understanding the underlying emotional issues of users [12][13]. - Initial user feedback indicates a willingness to engage with AI for emotional support, with 70% of users using the AI assistant for emotional expression [13][14]. Group 3: Limitations and Future Directions - While AI can perform well in short consultations, its effectiveness in long-term therapy and maintaining context over multiple sessions remains uncertain [15][16]. - The traditional structure of therapy, which includes fixed time and space, is challenged by the 24/7 availability of AI, raising questions about how to create a safe and effective therapeutic environment [18][19]. - The future of AI in mental health is expected to evolve into a new paradigm, potentially complementing human therapists rather than replacing them [27][31]. Group 4: Accessibility and Inclusivity - AI has the potential to democratize access to mental health support, particularly for those who cannot afford traditional therapy or are not ready to seek professional help [22][24]. - The traditional psychological framework often excludes certain demographics, such as blue-collar workers, who may require more immediate and practical emotional support [23][24]. - AI can provide timely responses and emotional validation, serving as a bridge for those in need of support without the weight of formal therapy [25][26].