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Artificial intelligence: chatbots for lovesickness?


Artificial intelligence (AI for short) is no longer just a vision of the future. The positive aspects of AI are already being used in various areas: for example, to promote efficiency in companies, as a means of research, in everyday life (see Siri and Alexa), but also as support in the health sector. Artificial intelligence could also play a major role in the future when it comes to the environment.

AI finds its way to people, especially in times of the pandemic. For example, through so-called “chatbots”, which are programmed by algorithms to conduct a virtual conversation with people. There are already different topics here: as a support in therapy for mental disorders or as a means of entertainment.

The Chatbot "Ibindo"(probably translated from the Bavarian "I am there") is used for example for lovesickness. Behavioral therapy techniques and systemic coaching give people with lovesickness the opportunity to have a therapeutic-like conversation. The user is adequately informed and informed about these techniques as well as specific advice and exercises in the chat. An aid to self-help. The "Ibindo" chatbot even reports daily to people with lovesickness and asks how you are. The worry that the chatbot should not necessarily be used as a solution in serious cases such as depression is also taken up by the founders of the AI, as they also deal with suicidality in the chat. Here, too, there are various offers for telephone counseling. So far, it has been the case that AI cannot replace a real trained therapist.

Also the Chatbot "Elia / Stayathomebot" gives tips and food for thought, with a special focus on the difficulties during the corona pandemic. With a little humor and emojis, a kind of conversation with the chatbot is created. Here you can tell on both sides, but also listen. This type of artificial intelligence could be helpful as a means of bridging this time, especially for people who have little contact options due to initial restrictions.

So far, it is still the case that these two forms of chatbots can only be used on Facebook. Here you can simply write a message via messenger and you will get an answer within a few seconds. Both chatbots almost embarrassedly report that there are still some shortcomings - with a little time and more investment, these forms of artificial intelligence could be expanded and thus be a great solution, especially in times of isolation.

Photo: Jem Sahagun on Unsplash

CONTRIBUTION TO OPTION GERMANY

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