Can AI actually be empathetic?

In this episode of BrainCore, host Tolu Faromika is joined by researchers Dariya Ovsyannikova, Leif Anderson, and Zachary Grey to explore one of the biggest questions at the intersection of psychology and technology: can artificial intelligence (AI) provide empathy, and what happens when it does?

The conversation is inspired by Dariya's recent article examining how people perceive empathetic responses from ChatGPT compared to responses from humans, including trained crisis responders. The findings raise important questions about empathy, mental health support, transparency, and the future role of AI in psychological care.Together, we discuss:

• What empathy actually is and why it matters
• Why ChatGPT was rated as more compassionate than human responders
• The ethical implications of AI-generated empathy
• AI therapy chatbots and mental health support tools
• How people are already using AI for emotional support
• The risks, limitations, and concerns surrounding AI in vulnerable populations
• What the future of psychology and AI could look like

Whether you're interested in psychology, mental health, artificial intelligence, or emerging technology, this episode offers a thoughtful discussion about where these worlds are beginning to overlap.----------------Want to find BrainCore elsewhere on the internet?Website - ⁠thebraincorepodcast.com ⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebraincorepodcast/⁠Twitter - ⁠https://x.com/thebraincorepod⁠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thebraincorepodcastEmail - thebraincorepodcast@gmail.comCreative Team:Intro/Outro Graphics Design: Earl Bamidele-PensonIntro/Outro Jingle: Jakim Iretomide Ayo-DavidsonVideography: OluVision Media