Artificial intelligence (AI) services that offer behavioural therapy are becoming more accessible to young people, so US scientists surveyed more than 3,000 parents to see how they feel about their children seeing AI therapists. They found just 8% of parents said they were 'very comfortable' with AI therapy, and 16% were 'somewhat comfortable'. AI therapy was rejected outright by 47% who said they were 'not comfortable at all', while 29% said they were 'not too comfortable'. Parents' biggest worries were accuracy of diagnoses, levels of empathy, and concerns around privacy. The findings suggest most parents are uneasy about their kids using AI therapy, the authors say. To earn that trust, policies that emphasise thorough clinical evaluation, privacy protections, clinician and family oversight, and clear escalation procedures should be developed, the experts conclude.
Around 3/4 of parents not comfortable with AI behavioural therapy for their child
