Divulging To Friends And Family When Using Generative AI As Your Mental Health Advisor
Key takeaways
- AIDivulging To Friends And Family When Using Generative AI As Your Mental Health Advisor By Lance Eliot,
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- There are millions upon millions of users who are regularly tapping into modern-era AI to get mental health advice.
AIDivulging To Friends And Family When Using Generative AI As Your Mental Health Advisor By Lance Eliot,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dr. Lance B. Eliot is a world-renowned AI scientist and consultant.Follow Author Jun 27, 2026, 03:15am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary Millions are secretly using generative AI for mental health guidance, prompting a debate on whether to inform friends and family. While AI offers accessible, low-cost advice, it poses significant risks, including unsuitable recommendations and privacy concerns, as AI makers can access user data. Unlike traditional therapy, which gained societal acceptance, AI mental health use is often perceived as less serious, more akin to "well-being" advice. Divulging this usage can elicit varied reactions, from curiosity and relief to skepticism, safety concerns, or even dismissal, depending on individual circumstances. Reasons for sharing include enthusiasm, seeking help, or a desire for honesty. Ultimately, the widespread adoption of AI for mental health constitutes a global experiment with both potential benefits and serious downsides that require careful management.
Divulging that you are using generative AI as your personal mental health advisor.gettyIn today’s column, I examine the tradeoffs of telling your friends and family that you are making use of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) for mental health guidance.