Recently, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence, there has been serious talk that such systems may start to replace humans in certain issues. Now is From the US National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) There has been a movement that will spark a debate on this issue.

NEDA has closed its long-running telephone helpline. From June 1, the organization coordinates and responds to this department. will fire people. The controversial part of the job is that artificial intelligence will be used instead of employees.

Chatbot now responds to people seeking help

NEDA, a non-profit organization, now believes those trying to reach it for help, rather than actual people, “Tessacalled one to the chatbot He said he could reach it. The organization believes that artificial intelligence can help people with eating disorders will give better service He claimed.

Even if NEDA says so, there may be another reason behind the layoffs. Those laid off from NEDA were notified of this change just four days after they decided to join a union. And this is NEDA’s move, against the union He spread rumors that he wanted revenge. The helpline workers complained about insufficient resources and staff.

NEDA is the United States’ largest non-profit organization focused on eating disorders. The association’s mission is to provide support and resources to people affected by eating disorders. And for more than 20 years, people have been able to call the free NEDA helpline for help with these issues. However, this small helpline team of 6 paid employees and about 200 volunteers no longer exists.

From June 1, the artificial intelligence chatbot Tessa will answer people’s questions. It was developed by a company called Cass. mental health chatbot. The model, which is reportedly incapable of having smooth conversations unlike ChatGPT, was first created in 2018 under the direction of two behavioral health researchers.

The fact that people with an eating disorder are going to talk to artificial intelligence is very worrying

You can imagine that this development raises some questions. Artificial intelligence models are widely criticized for producing things like bias and disinformation. That’s why placing such a bot in front of people with an eating disorder is also a cause for concern.

Whether such a model can empathize, The big question mark is whether it can provide accurate information and whether it can replace talking to a real person. Helpline employees also have a chatbot. there is no substitute for human empathy and to the eating disorder community of this decision. to cause irreparable damage He says they believe.