The silicon shrink – the worrying side of AI in mental health

The silicon shrink – the worrying side of AI in mental health

Author: ABC Australia April 19, 2025 Duration: 29:06
Chat bots as therapists. Apps that can track your mood and behaviour, offering earlier detection of psychiatric illness. There's a lot happening at the nexus of mental health and AI – some of it promising, some of it perilous. Today, science writer and author of The Silicon Shrink, Daniel Oberhaus, takes us on a journey through this emerging space. We'll look at the potential benefits, the major limitations and the ethics of adding AI into our mental health mix. And just a heads up, this episode touches on the topic of suicide, please take care while listening. Guest: Daniel Oberhaus Science writer Author, The Silicon Shrink: How Artificial Intelligence Made the World an Asylum Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Isabella Tropiano Extra info: Meta preys on insecure teens, whistleblower says - The Australian Meta whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams says company targeted ads at teens based on their ‘emotional state’ - Yahoo Finance Comments on Research and Ad Targeting - Meta Resources: Lifeline Australia Beyond Blue 13YARN

Ever wondered what's really happening inside your head? Each week, All In The Mind from ABC Australia ventures into the complex landscape of human thought and feeling. This isn't just a dry science lecture; it's a thoughtful exploration of the experiences that shape us, hosted by curious minds who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear conversations that bridge the gap between scientific research and the messy reality of daily life, delving into topics as diverse as the mechanisms of memory, the challenges of breaking an addiction, or the ethical puzzles posed by artificial intelligence. The discussions are grounded and accessible, making the inner workings of the brain relevant to anyone interested in health, behaviour, or simply understanding themselves a little better. By tuning into this podcast, you join a community considering how our mental universe influences everything from our personal fitness to our social connections. It’s a weekly opportunity to pause and reflect on the fascinating forces-both biological and psychological-that drive what we do and who we are. The production brings together expert insights with genuine human stories, creating a space where complex ideas about the mind and behaviour are unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

All In The Mind
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