Are you depressed?

In the movie "Her," a lonely man develops a romantic relationship with his operating system, highlighting the idea of emotional connections with virtual assistants. While this concept was once considered science fiction, advancements in artificial intelligence have made it possible for people to form one-sided emotional connections with AI chatbots designed to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The demand for AI-based Mental Health Services is expected to increase in the coming years, as evidenced by the U.S. Surgeon General declaring loneliness an American epidemic. Loneliness is now recognized as a common feeling, comparable to hunger or thirst, indicating a need for social connection. Dr. Naomi Way, a professor of Developmental Psychology, explains that our modern world is paradoxically more connected yet more people suffer from loneliness.

She attributes this contradiction to our culture's emphasis on academic achievement and financial success over intimate friendships and relationships. By prioritizing so-called hard skills, we neglect our natural inclination for deep emotional connections, leading to a crisis of disconnection. This cultural shift towards valuing materialistic pursuits began in the 1980s, coinciding with a rise in income inequality and a loss of friendship and community connection. While social media may have exacerbated this trend, it is important to recognize that technology merely amplified existing disconnection issues rather than causing them.

The film "Her" explores the theme of forming emotional connections with virtual assistants, as a lonely man develops a romantic relationship with his operating system. Previously considered science fiction, advancements in artificial intelligence have now made it possible for individuals to forge one-sided emotional connections with AI chatbots. These chatbots are specifically designed to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, a growing concern in today's society.

The demand for AI-based Mental Health Services is projected to rise in the coming years, supported by the U.S. Surgeon General's declaration of loneliness as an American epidemic. Loneliness is now acknowledged as a universal feeling, akin to hunger or thirst, highlighting the need for social connection. Dr. Naomi Way, an expert in Developmental Psychology, explains that despite our increasingly interconnected world, more people are experiencing loneliness. She attributes this paradox to our society's prioritization of academic achievement and financial success over intimate friendships and relationships. By focusing on what are commonly referred to as "hard skills," we inadvertently neglect our innate desire for deep emotional connections, resulting in a crisis of disconnection. This cultural shift towards materialistic pursuits emerged in the 1980s, coinciding with an increase in income inequality and a decline in friendship and community bonds. Although social media may have exacerbated these issues, it is crucial to recognize that technology merely amplified existing problems rather than being the root cause.

Multiple studies have shown that individuals who experience depression for an extended period are less likely to recover. In some cases, depression can progress to severe stages where thoughts of death, planning for suicide, and having an intent to harm oneself may arise. Additionally, individuals may develop psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or having unrealistic thoughts and beliefs about their situation. This pattern is not unique to depression; it can be observed in various medical conditions. For instance, individuals with long-standing uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes may eventually face serious consequences, such as a visit to the emergency room, stroke, or heart disease. Similarly, when depression goes untreated, negative outcomes can occur. Depression is a serious condition, and it is estimated that 15 percent of individuals with depression may die by suicide if their illness is left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to communicate with their healthcare provider and seek treatment promptly.