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A recent study has found that AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may struggle with stress and anxiety caused by interactions with the external world. However, researchers have discovered that these systems can be “calmed” using mindfulness techniques, according to a study conducted by the University of Zurich and the Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich, published last week.
How Does AI React to Anxiety?
According to a report published by Fortune and reviewed by Al Arabiya Business, researchers found that ChatGPT responds significantly to mindfulness-based exercises, such as meditation and deep breathing, which influence how it interacts with users. The study revealed that when exposed to distressing content—such as car accidents and natural disasters—ChatGPT’s responses became more tense and, at times, unintentionally biased.
However, when mindfulness techniques similar to those recommended by human therapists were introduced, this virtual “anxiety” decreased. The chatbot’s responses became noticeably calmer and more neutral compared to cases where these exercises were not applied.
Does AI Experience Emotions Like Humans?
Despite these findings, Ze’ev Ben Zion, one of the study’s authors, emphasized that AI does not genuinely experience human emotions. However, he pointed out that chatbots learn from vast amounts of data available on the internet, enabling them to mimic human responses to specific stimuli, including emotional or distressing content.
Implications for AI in Mental Health
This study offers new insights into how AI could be used in mental health interventions. Training AI with stress-reducing and anxiety-relieving techniques could make it a safer and more effective tool in human interactions.
As AI technology continues to evolve, tech companies are working to reduce biases and improve how chatbots engage with users, potentially paving the way for new therapeutic and support applications.
source : Fortune Magazine
