Munmun De Choudhury, J. Z. Liang Professor in the School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Institute of Technology, emphasized the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health care during her lecture on September 23, 2026. Highlighting that AI has transformed from a mere tool to an active player in treatment, she spoke at Bowdoin College about generative AI's implications for mental health.
Read More
De Choudhury is recognized for her significant contributions to understanding the relationship between social media interactions and societal mental health. Her talk, titled “A Human and Humane Vision for AI and Mental Health,” was supported by the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity, initiated in March 2025 with a $50 million donation from Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings ’83.
She noted that the last decade has brought notable progress in addressing mental health issues, largely due to the destigmatization of mental health and the rise of social media platforms that encourage openness. By sharing experiences on these platforms, individuals find an outlet for their challenges without fear of judgment. However, De Choudhury warned that the integration of generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, is creating a fundamental shift in how people engage with technology for emotional support.
AI is increasingly perceived as a source of companionship and advice, but De Choudhury cautioned against viewing these tools as replacements for human therapists. While AI may offer immediate support, it lacks the lived experiences necessary for genuine understanding. She raised important questions about the implications of relying on non-human entities for emotional care and the potential for dependency on these systems.
A critical concern is AI's handling of sensitive situations, such as when individuals express suicidal thoughts. De Choudhury pointed out the lack of clear responsibilities for tech companies in these scenarios, stressing that more work is needed to develop effective strategies.
“In talking to another human, a healing process occurs that machines cannot replicate,” she said. De Choudhury advocates that the future of AI in mental health should focus on enhancing human connection rather than striving to make AI more human-like. Her research underscores the need for technology to complement rather than replace human empathy. She warned that AI could diminish the essential friction of human interactions, which contributes to psychological resilience.
Eric Chown, Sarah and James Bowdoin Professor of Digital and Computational Studies, attended the lecture and appreciated De Choudhury’s balanced approach. “She navigated through the benefits and drawbacks of AI without taking an extreme position,” he stated, highlighting concerns about the societal reliance on AI for mental health support and its potential dangers. Chown emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogues regarding the intersection of AI and mental health.