Public Perception Shifts Towards 'Chatbot Therapists' Following Rise of Generative AI

Public attitudes toward 'chatbot therapists' shifted dramatically during the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence in 2023, according to a new Curtin University study, that is now behind the redevelopment of a safer, well-being chatbot called Monti. Data collected both before and after the emergence of ChatGPT revealed a major shift to usinggenerative-AI chatbots, valuing their natural conversation style and apparent understanding. This may have led earlier 'rules-based' chatbots to seem repetitive and lacking in understanding. The research is now guiding the redevelopment of Curtin's next generation of well-being chatbot, Monti, co-designed with consumers to promote safe, reflective emotional exploration. Research team lead and Professor of Mental Health Warren Mansell, from the Curtin School of Population Health, said 2023 marked aturning pointin the public understanding of AI-supported well-being tools.