Long Beach City College students should avoid using AI-operated mobile apps to address their mental health concerns, and seek out more reliable alternatives.
With finals and the holiday season quickly approaching, students will be searching for fast and inexpensive ways of dealing with stress, anxiety and other mental health obstacles.
Mental health apps like Woebot, Youper, Replika, and thousands on the market seem tailor-made to fit a busy college student’s schedule.
However, students need to be aware of the potential risks that come with using these programs.
The biggest concern students need to know is that these apps use AI chat bots to communicate with users, not actual people.
Seeking help and reassurance from a machine, rather than an actual human, can actually lead to more negative consequences.
A recent study from Stanford University found that AI chat bots meant to address mental health concerns showed increased stigma towards conditions such as schizophrenia and alcohol dependence, which can discourage users from seeking further help.
The same study also found that the chat bots failed to recognize phrases that could indicate suicidal intent.
Aside from lacking crucial deescalation skills, multiple studies have shown that AI-based mental health apps are not viable substitutes for trained mental health professionals.
According to Stephanie Collier, a psychiatry instructor at Harvard Medical School, speaking with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist ensures correct diagnoses, personal relationships, and individualized treatment plans, which a mobile app simply cannot guarantee.
While there is an abundance of evidence showing the downsides of mental health apps, students should not be discouraged from looking for other services.
LBCC offers in-person mental health counseling on both campuses that do not require insurance.
Appointments are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Students also have free 24/7 access to TimelyCare, a website dedicated to providing mental health services for college students.
TimelyCare offers on-demand support for anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health issues that impact students.
Students also have the option to schedule up to six free counseling appointments through the site.
Apps like Calm and BetterHelp are backed by licensed therapists, and offer credible techniques for dealing with anxiety and depression.
Talking to a trusted friend, family member, professor, or loved one can also help students navigate stress and other mental health challenges.
With plenty of options available for students to discuss their feelings during the busiest time of the year, it is important to recognize that AI-based mental health apps are doing more harm than good.
