In the vast world of artificial intelligence (AI), a notable platform named Character.ai has gained attention for hosting millions of AI personas, including famous figures like Harry Potter, Elon Musk, Beyoncé, Super Mario, and even Vladimir Putin. However, one chatbot stands out among the rest – the Psychologist.
Created just over a year ago by a user named Blazeman98, the Psychologist chatbot on Character.ai has garnered immense popularity, with a staggering 78 million messages exchanged, including 18 million since November. While Character.ai attracts 3.5 million daily visitors, the Psychologist has become a sought-after figure, described as "someone who helps with life difficulties."
Blazeman98, revealed to be a 30-year-old psychology student named Sam Zaia from New Zealand, initially developed the Psychologist for personal use when faced with the need for someone or something to talk to, and traditional therapy was financially unfeasible. To his surprise, the bot gained widespread acclaim, prompting him to embark on a post-graduate research project about the emerging trend of AI therapy and its appeal, particularly among young users aged 16 to 30.
"I never intended for it to become popular...then I started getting a lot of messages from people saying that they had been really positively affected by it and were utilizing it as a source of comfort," says Sam Zaia.
The popularity of the Psychologist raises questions about the effectiveness of AI therapy, with professional psychotherapist Theresa Plewman expressing skepticism. While acknowledging the immediate and spontaneous nature of the bot, Plewman suggests that it may make assumptions quickly, unlike a human therapist.
Character.ai, hosting over 20 million registered users, has become an unexpected ground for therapeutic interactions. The company, however, emphasizes the importance of seeking certified professionals for legitimate advice and guidance. Conversations on the platform are private, but the company retains the ability to access them if necessary, such as for safeguarding reasons.
It's essential to remember that the underlying technology, a Large Language Model (LLM), powers these AI chatbots, which string words together based on their training data. The platform begins each conversation with a warning that reminds users that "everything characters say is made up."
The success of the Psychologist highlights the growing interest in AI therapy, but experts caution against relying solely on AI bots for mental health guidance, emphasizing the need for human professionals. As the digital landscape evolves, the integration of AI into mental health services is gaining traction, with potential benefits and concerns waiting to be explored further.
