AI's Role in Campus Mental Health: Opportunities and Concerns
Jessi Gold, chief wellness officer at the University of Tennessee, discusses the growing use of AI in campus mental health. Students report using AI for companionship and mental health advice, with some preferring AI interactions over human therapists. Surveys indicate that AI is increasingly used for mental health support, with concerns about its ability to miss warning signs of distress. Gold emphasizes the need for universities to understand AI's capabilities and limitations, advocating for education and training on AI's role in mental health. The conversation highlights parallels with social media's impact on mental health, urging foresight in AI deployment.