I Tried AI for Therapy, but There Are Limits to Its Conversations
Amanda Smith, a freelance journalist living in New York City, shares her experience exploring artificial intelligence for therapy support. She values her relationship with her therapist but wanted to test AI’s capabilities for on-demand assistance.
Smith turned to Pi AI, a conversational tool by Inflection AI founded by Reid Hoffman. She asked Pi about the complexities of starting a family as a same-sex couple, receiving helpful recommendations on grants, insurance providers, and financial advice. Impressed by Pi’s thorough responses, Smith delved into emotional support queries, such as concerns about parenting challenges unique to same-sex couples.
While Pi provided valuable insights, Smith missed the depth of personal connection and limitless conversations she has with her therapist. She reflected on her therapist’s profound advice on donor conception and the concept of karma, insights that Pi couldn’t fully grasp.
Despite feeling better after engaging with Pi, Smith highlighted the irreplaceable aspects of human therapy that transcend AI’s capabilities. She appreciated Pi’s support but acknowledged the limits of its conversations compared to the expansiveness she feels after sessions with her therapist.
