(On Mr. Roboto’s Couch – Will Machines become our Counselors? Part I)
Meet your new counselor. And don't forget to charge it.
Online software that provides psychological services is already all around us. First, numerous websites offer online assessments in the form of questionnaires that users fill out to receive psychological feedback. Some online applications take this one step further and offer more actionable advice based on the results. We recently developed a parenting-style assessment where the questionnaire is taken for both parents. The test identifies potential conflicts in parenting-style and provides suggestions for resolving them. This is an important part of couples' therapy that can be automated.
New books are being released alongside software applications that allow a hands-on experience with the techniques the book describes in detail. Take for example Barbara Fredrickson's remarkable book "Positivity": its website (www.positivityratio.com) includes several interactive exercises pertaining to the book's content, and a set of reporting tools. This trend will surely continue, and psychology books will come out along with interactive companion software. Other projects use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide the user through a series of online therapy modules involving assessment and other online exercises (e.g. Mood Gym). And more recently, "light therapy" software comes also in the form of an interactive game (e.g. Just Action).
Is this good for you?
Yes - it's good. And - no, it will never replace human advice and support. These tools are all based on the expertise of real people. Technology simply brings this expertise to the public more cost-effectively. New technology always brings up ethical questions, and as a community we will need to make sure new tools are being used appropriately. But the benefits are undoubtedly huge.
So - what's next?
As computers evolve and become more pervasive, coaching and light therapy applications will follow us everywhere on our mobile phones. Our silent and supportive companions may analyze our emails, tweets, Facebook presence, and even the time we get home and how we use our appliances. This rich information can help us optimize the way we live our daily lives and maximize our well-being, and will also serve as great input for practitioners and coaches.
But for now, I am going to sit comfortably on Mr. Roboto's couch. In the very initial version he may just nod randomly and say "...and how does that make you feel?", but in the near future web and mobile versions will offer a real promise of improved well-being and happier individuals.
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