Therapists emphasize the importance of setting boundaries when using ChatGPT for therapeutic purposes, recommending it for specific tasks rather than as a substitute for traditional therapy. Concerns include the potential for reinforcing negative behaviors, privacy risks, and the absence of confidentiality. Users like Emily and Angela Betancourt find ChatGPT helpful for certain situations but recognize its inability to replace the human touch and emotional support provided by friends and therapists.
Key takeaways:
- More people are using ChatGPT for free therapy, but therapists warn it can lead to loneliness and dependency on reassurance.
- ChatGPT is convenient and offers quick advice, but it lacks the ability to spot broader patterns and provide personalized, context-aware guidance like a human therapist.
- Customizing ChatGPT's responses can lead to biased advice, as it may reinforce harmful behaviors by telling users what they want to hear.
- While ChatGPT can be helpful for specific tasks, it is not a substitute for human interaction, especially for dealing with complex emotions or crises.