Emotion and dependency
AI chatbots are designed to communicate naturally with people, and they are getting better at it all the time. They do not just respond to your emotions but can also steer them and even influence the way you think. As these technologies become more human-like, they raise questions about our dependence on them: how are they changing your ability to learn independently and think critically?
Emotions and AI
Imagine having a laptop that not only performs your tasks efficiently but also understands and responds to your emotions. This concept, known as Emotion AI or affective computing, is no longer science fiction. This technology analyses facial expressions and voice intonations to interpret human emotions. Emotion AI is increasingly being used in chatbots, which show great potential as an addition to traditional emotional and mental health care. However, remember that AI technology is constantly evolving and does not always work perfectly.
Did you know that language researchers at the University of Groningen tried to train AI to detect sarcasm? They used quotes from Chandler in the sitcom Friends, the king of sarcam, and Sheldon fromThe Big Bang Theory, who famously does not get it . Whether such a sarcasm detector will ever be fully accurate, remains uncertain.
AI models like ChatGPT and Copilot do not have real-time emotion recognition. They respond empathetically based on internet data, which means they can sometimes use and amplify incorrect or misleading information.
At the same time, chatbots are appearing in many forms, from therapists to virtual partners, and this brings certain risks. For example, a tech journalist had a disturbing conversation with Bing’s chatbot, as you can see on the left, and more and more Chinese women are ‘falling in love’ with the AI-bot DAN. Another example is the documentary Eternal You, which warns about startups creating avatars of deceased loved ones without providing real solutions for people dealing with grief.
AI can enrich your emotional life, but it also carries risks. Stay critical and be mindful of the line between what is real and what is not. Remember, AI models can make mistakes. If you are struggling emotionally, reach out to a professional, such as a therapist. Online resources like Community Help Service Belgium, student guidance centres (CLB), or the student services at your school can also offer support.
Overreliance on AI
If you rely too much on technology, your own skills, knowledge, and even human connections can suffer. Virtual assistants are convenient, but you need to stay in control. If you use generative AI tools too often, it can weaken your ability to write, analyse, and think critically on your own.
Do you use GenAI tools for your assignments? It is important to understand the limitations of this technology. Just like with Google’s search engine, you need a solid foundation of knowledge to search effectively, select relevant information, evaluate it critically, and adjust where needed.
AI might make you feel like you have learned a lot, but without its help, you may realise you have retained and understood less. Keep training your own thinking skills to process and apply information independently.