"For in the end, [Huxley] was trying to tell us what afflicted the people in Brave New World was not that they were laughing instead of thinking, but that they did not know what they were laughing about and why they had stopped thinking." --Neil Postman

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Curing Depression with an App??



As I was searching the Room for Debate for an article, I came across an article titled " Is Depression Treatable With An App" and I was completely mind-boggled at this. As someone who has anxiety and has friends who suffer from depression, I was shocked that there is an app that replaces face to face therapy. I find that so stupid that they would replace a therapist with a bot that has automatic responses. That isn't benefiting the person who is suffering from the illness, it is making it worse.

An app cannot replicate the trust, feelings, etc. a therapist goes through with their client. It is completely impossible. No app understands how someone's mind works. Without human interaction and proper medical care, many will face much bigger problems with their disorder.They deserve so much more that and to show them that they are struggling and do desperately need help.

What do you guys think about this? I personally believe that people should just see therapists, even if they are afraid of talking about their feelings. Yes, it is expensive but everybody should have the chance to talk with someone about their problems. Is an app a safe or effective way to treat anxiety and depression? What do you think?

-Marcela Perez
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3 comments:

  1. Sarah KernalAugust 9, 2018 at 8:18 PM

    I suppose the idea of making therapy a mobile experience is intriguing in theory, but trying to replace a trained individual with a bot sounds a bit nonsensical to me. Even with advances in artificial intelligence, I don't think a bot could possibly replicate the empathy or understanding that comes from a human being. Every individual is astoundingly different, as is every case of mental disorder. And frankly, while I don't know how effective or safe apps like these have truly proven, I'd certainly feel more secure voicing my concerns and emotions to an person, and face-to-face.

    Further, as someone who's personally witnessed what therapy can do for a person struggling with mental health, I think it'd be more effective to meet with a therapist if one has the means to do so. Another thing is, much of the time, an individual has to try meeting with multiple therapists before finding someone they're comfortable with. I don't think an app could replicate the kind of diversity in personalities that exists in the real world.

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  2. Jared PacionAugust 10, 2018 at 1:45 AM

    I think that it is fine that there is an app that replaces therapists. It is fine because the app could be made by therapists to help people who can’t afford it. The app can probably have options that help you input your problem and then a bot could just listen for key words and answer. Also if the app has real people talking from the app then it will be effective.
    -Jared Pacion

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  3. UnknownAugust 10, 2018 at 3:23 AM

    I think, having an app to cure anxiety and depression, is okay. I mean, it isn't illegal and it is free. But, at the same time it is just, people can't take a serious issue to the phone all the time because, there are actual live people willing to talk to you. To get you comfortable in sharing your feelings in person instead of talking to a small flat screen. ~Atarah Beckford

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