Artificial Intelligence And Psychology

There is a connection between artificial intelligence and psychology. This article takes a closer look at the definition and implications of this association. Read on to find out more.

Let’s start by defining each of these disciplines. The word ‘psychology’, according to Merriam-Webster, “ is the science of mind and behavior and the mental or behavioral characteristics of an individual or group. ”

They also define the term ‘artificial intelligence’ as “ a branch of computer science concerned with the simulation of intelligent behavior in computers and the ability of a machine to imitate humans. ”

Branches of psychology related to artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence and psychology are linked. Both relate to mental processes, behavior and emotions. However, the fact that these are different disciplines does not mean that they are mutually exclusive.

Let’s look at the branches of psychology related to artificial intelligence:

• Pedagogical psychology. Pedagogical innovation treats learning in a different but effective way. It uses elements of artificial intelligence for this. For example, intelligent education systems, educational robotics, and neuroeducation.
• neuroscience. Artificial intelligence strengthens research in this area.

• Clinical. Will robots replace psychologists?
• Cognitive psychology. This arose from cybernetic paradigms. In addition, it influenced the understanding of human abilities. In fact, research continues to contribute more knowledge about this. Hugo D’Alarcao, for example, shows in his article “ Artificial intelligence: myths and realities ” which processes psychology has gone through as a science (English link). He also shows its coherence in the context of interdisciplinary work with artificial intelligence. Thus, according to the author, these sciences constantly influence each other.
• organizational. One of the challenges of this branch of psychology is to improve the selection process through artificial intelligence systems.
• forensic. You can use artificial intelligence in crime simulations.

As you can see, some areas of psychology have a lot to gain from artificial intelligence. Both have clear contributions to other areas of research.

Carlos González Tardón is a psychologist who has written an article on this topic. He talks about how simulated beings can intervene in psychology and psychotherapy. He also provides information about new tools in experimental psychology.

Artificial Intelligence and Psychology in Current and Future Psychotherapy

At the moment, the development of artificial intelligence used for advancing therapeutic processes is already here. Beautiful right? Ideas that previously existed only in the human imagination are now beginning to become reality.

For example, there are already robots that can recognize emotions and make life easier for some people. These assistance robots can, for example, serve as supervisors for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

However, there are many more projects that can make life easier for people who need mobility assistance. It is awesome!

However, artificial intelligence is more than creating robots with human characteristics. These systems are also suitable in psychotherapeutic processes. For example, therapists work with their patients via virtual reality.

Ethical Issues

The idea of ​​revolutionary methods that promote human well-being may seem wonderful. However, there are some ethical issues to resolve before integrating them into the everyday landscape.

Undoubtedly, technological aid can improve the quality of life of many people. Every day more families are falling apart and people have more and more open channels where they spend a lot of time.

For example, if you install a program on your computer or an application on your phone, you agree to terms that you rarely read. You think that if everyone accepts them, so should you. When you do that, you grant a lot of privileges that you are not even aware of.

Somehow you delegate an assessment you should do to others. On another level, just look at how social networks work.

Your friends’ profiles are constantly surrounded by advertising and other commercial interests. These meeting places are run by economic initiatives that are eager to know your tastes and interests because they want to take advantage of you.

In addition, every psychologist in his profession is bound by a code of ethics. They are aware of the rules and know that they must turn to the competent authority if they violate them. This is a level of consciousness that a machine cannot yet reach.

Conclusion

Perhaps the two major dangers in the association between artificial intelligence and psychology are the following:

• sharing sensitive data with a machine programmed in a language that the user does not know
• the lack of awareness regarding standards or the code of ethics governing certain services, benefits and activities

So think about it carefully!