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AI for Therapy? | Pivot

August 09, 202501:22
00:00:00
There's actually a recent report from
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Harvard Business.
00:00:03
Yeah.
00:00:03
That says that the single top use case
00:00:06
for generative AI in 2025 is therapy and
00:00:09
companionship.
00:00:09
Right.
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And I just want everybody to sit with
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that right now.
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Millions of people.
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It's okay if it is supervised by a human
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being
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when it's not.
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When it's not, AI is fundamentally not
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able to work autonomously. Because one
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of the things that is terrifying about
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what's happening with AI, and there's
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lots of wonderful things that are
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happening, but let's just talk about the
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terrifying thing that's happening.
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There's zero regulation. Zero. And if we
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have a situation where people are
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turning to AI in order to get advice,
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it's already happening, right?
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And the reason why people are turning
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toward AI is because we are, first of
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all, as we've already discussed, living
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in an unprecedented moment of change and
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overwhelm and insecurity. And so you
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have this backdrop where you've got
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people in a state where they need
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support. And so there is a huge need.
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This is the part where we have to go,
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no, no, no. We've got to pressure the
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people that are paying attention in
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states where they are.
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So what guard rails would you like to
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see in place? I
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I want to see I want to see tremendous
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regulation.
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[Music]

Podspun Insights

In this thought-provoking episode, listeners are invited to explore the intersection of generative AI and mental health, a topic that’s both timely and crucial. The conversation kicks off with a startling revelation from a recent Harvard Business report: by 2025, therapy and companionship will be the leading applications for generative AI. The implications of this are profound, as millions may turn to AI for emotional support in a world that feels increasingly chaotic and insecure.

As the dialogue unfolds, the host and their guest delve into the complexities of relying on AI for mental health guidance. They highlight the pressing need for human oversight, emphasizing that while AI can offer companionship, it lacks the ability to function autonomously in a therapeutic context. The discussion takes a critical turn as they address the alarming absence of regulation in the AI landscape, raising questions about the safety and ethical considerations of using AI for such sensitive purposes.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own views about the role of AI in therapy and the potential consequences of its unchecked proliferation. The episode serves as a rallying cry for listeners to advocate for necessary guardrails that would ensure the responsible use of AI in mental health. With a blend of urgency and optimism, this episode not only informs but also empowers listeners to engage in the conversation about the future of therapy in an AI-driven world.

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Episode Highlights

  • The Future of Therapy
    A report reveals that therapy and companionship will be the top use case for generative AI by 2025.
    “Yeah. Millions of people.”
    @ 00m 06s
    August 09, 2025
  • The Need for Human Supervision
    The conversation highlights the importance of human supervision in AI therapy.
    “It's okay if it is supervised by a human being when it's not.”
    @ 00m 14s
    August 09, 2025
  • The Terrifying Reality of AI
    The discussion turns to the frightening lack of regulation surrounding AI technology.
    “There's zero regulation. Zero.”
    @ 00m 34s
    August 09, 2025
  • A Moment of Change
    People are increasingly turning to AI for support during unprecedented times of change and insecurity.
    “We are living in an unprecedented moment of change and overwhelm.”
    @ 00m 52s
    August 09, 2025
  • Call for Regulation
    The need for strong regulations in AI is emphasized to ensure safety and support.
    “We've got to pressure the people that are paying attention in states where they are.”
    @ 01m 06s
    August 09, 2025

Episode Quotes

Key Moments

  • The Future of Therapy00:06
  • The Need for Human Supervision00:14
  • The Terrifying Reality of AI00:34
  • A Moment of Change00:52
  • Call for Regulation01:06