JOHOR BARU: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to seek mental health support, especially among children and teenagers, must be approached cautiously, say groups here.
Johor Baru Befrienders board of trustee member Danny Loo (pic) said that while AI may offer an outlet to express mental health struggles, it is important to note that the responses generated are based on information retrieved online, including sources that are inaccurate.
“It may offer a space for those who are lonely to seek emotional support or simply to vent, but this should be approached with caution.
“We must remember that AI responses are based on data gathered from the Internet, which is often very general and could even be wrong.
“This may risk individuals seeking mental health support, including children and teenagers, getting the wrong advice that could potentially worsen their situation.”
Loo, who is also a member of Hospital Sultanah Aminah’s psychiatric board of visitors, said proper assessment is key for anyone seeking mental health help.
“It is important for them to go through it with a professional who could come up with personalised treatments and support.
“A generalised response is far from enough, as each individual is different and responds to different approaches.”
Loo also noted that despite the seemingly increased reliance on AI, especially among youngsters, Johor Baru Befrienders are seeing more awareness among the group.
“We have been conducting awareness campaigns with schools in the last five years, which I believe has helped encourage youngsters to reach out to us.
“We see this through the number of calls we receive from the group, which has been gradually increasing every year,” he said, adding that Johor Baru Befrienders receive an average of 300 calls a month.
Parents, Community and Private Sector Involvement (PIBKS) national chairman Datuk Yahya Jaafar said that there is a need for the government to carry out studies on the matter.
“Like it or not, children and teenagers will be using AI. In fact, it is encouraged for them to do so for their studies,” Yahya said.
“Some may also use AI to seek mental health support, but at the moment, we do not really know whether this brings more harm or good.”
While PIBKS had yet to receive complaints from parents on the matter, he said they will keep a close eye on it.
