Technological developments are progressing rapidly, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which can help users access information quickly. Children are introduced to AI technology from an early age and understand how it can be used in everyday life. However, excessive and prolonged use can certainly impact a person's mental health.
This can be prevented by knowing and recognizing what behavioral changes occur in someone who is addicted to AI technology.
Is dependence on technology dangerous?
Dependence on AI is increasing, especially among students. One factor contributing to the growing popularity of AI is access to a variety of needed information. This dependence has negative psychological impacts, such as feelings of loneliness and isolation due to minimal social interaction. This condition encourages them to become increasingly attached to AI, which is perceived as a non-judgmental substitute for friends, providing a platform for confiding and confiding, as well as providing a means for counseling and self-diagnosis .
Dependent Attitude
Addiction to AI can begin with a dependency on its constant use. Some common complaints that arise when not using it include:
- Anxiety
- Stres
- Lonely
- Emotion
- More sensitive
- Feeling unproductive when not using it.
Behavioral Changes That Occur
Changes in behavior and thought patterns of someone who has reached the stage of dependency include:
- Loss of control
- Tend to withdraw from social environments due to a strong urge to always be connected to the internet
- Spending too much time
- Dependence on the use of AI in every activity.
The above conditions can impact critical thinking and problem-solving skills, interactions, and the ability to build relationships with others in social settings. If this condition persists and impacts daily life, we need to be cautious and consult a doctor or psychologist.
necessary, to find out whether this falls into the category of addictive disorder or addiction to the use of AI.
Self-Diagnosis and How to Prevent It
When using AI to diagnose a disease, it will sift through various data and detect patterns, helping to identify conditions such as anxiety, depression, and others. Is the information provided by this AI highly accurate and reliable? This is a crucial consideration, as establishing a diagnosis requires a thorough and precise examination, such as interviews, observations, physical examinations, and various other supporting tests or examinations that can help determine the next course of treatment by a doctor or psychologist.
Some impacts that often arise when performing self-diagnosis using AI include inaccuracy in treatment or subsequent management, which can trigger higher levels of stress or anxiety after learning the diagnosis given by AI.
To prevent self-diagnosis using AI, we can start by raising awareness that AI should be used as a supporting tool, not a substitute for the primary role. It's also important to remember that the relationship between a patient and a doctor, psychologist, or healthcare professional is a therapeutic one, where empathy is embedded in the interaction and communication. This process is certainly absent in counseling and self-diagnosis using AI.
Here are some important ways to prevent addictive behavior towards using AI, namely:
- Improving literacy
- Limiting the use of AI technology
- Strengthening relationships with family as a support system
- Explore your potential, such as developing hobbies and positive activities in your free time.
- Start being open to new interactions and relationships with other people or with communities in the social environment.
Thus, the sooner it is identified and treated, the smaller the risk of side effects from addictive nature can be prevented, so that the hope of improving mental health and the quality of superior human resources in Indonesia can be achieved.
Article written by Melvi Rosilawati, M.Psi, Psychologist (Psychologist at EMC Sentul Hospital).