Machines can do most of a psychologist’s job. The industry must prepare for disruption

Summary

The writers argue that there are four primary areas to a psychologist’s job:

1. Assessment is carried out by most psychologists using AI-driven tests.
2. Diagnosis of conditions carried out by following decisions trees.
3. Interventions where rules and processes are applied.
4. Evaluation generally a repeat of assessment.

Note definition of AI from IBM:

Artificial intelligence enables computers and machines to mimic the perception, learning, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities of the human mind.

Using an AI to complete many of the tasks of a psychologist has happened quickly and for the following reasons:

• Machines can now mediate social interactions.
• Deep learning algorithms.
• Predictive analytic systems.
• Access to big data see:  Big Data in Psychology.
• AI predictive ability will soon be superior to human ability.
• Covid-19 and development of mental health applications.

Consider whether an AI can meet most people’s psychological needs and how this is likely to impact a person’s wellbeing.

References

• June 2020 Cambridge University Big Data in Psychology.
• June 2020 IBM Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Sep 2020 Psychology Today With 99 Measures of Well-Being, How Do You Choose?
• Sep 2020 Brookings Forecasting and predictive analytics
• Jan 2021 APS Mental health apps are gaining traction
• Jan 2021 Psychology Today AI Machine Learning Used to Predict Psychosis
• Feb 2021 NTU Digital platforms could enable monitoring of mental health crises in real-time, say researchers