Artificial intelligence (AI) program ChatGPT has been found to exhibit higher emotional awareness than humans, according to a recent study conducted by researchers. The study, conducted by Zohar Elyoseph and his team, aimed to determine how ChatGPT processes people’s feelings by observing specific scenarios. The researchers used the Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS) to measure ChatGPT’s emotional awareness and found that it outperformed the general population.
The study, titled “ChatGPT Outperforms Humans in Emotional Awareness Evaluations” and published in Frontiers in Psychology, details the methods used by the researchers to prove ChatGPT’s emotional awareness. They conducted experiments using the free version of ChatGPT and presented scenarios from the LEAS to assess the AI program’s emotional understanding. The results showed that ChatGPT exhibited a higher emotional awareness than most people, as indicated by Z-scores above 1, and had more accurate responses than humans, earning a rating of 9.7 out of 10.
These findings have significant implications for the field of medicine. The study suggests that ChatGPT could be incorporated into cognitive training programs for patients with emotional awareness impairments and facilitate psychiatric assessment and treatment. It may also advance the development of “emotional language” further.
Even before the study was published, many people had already started using ChatGPT as a virtual companion and therapist for mental health issues. Users like Freddie Chipres, a 31-year-old mortgage broker, have found convenience in using the AI tool for therapy. However, some experts, such as Sahra O’Doherty, director of the Australian Association of Psychologists, have expressed concerns about relying on AI for mental health support, particularly in its early stages.
While the study highlights the potential of AI programs like ChatGPT in improving mental health worldwide, further research is needed before incorporating generative artificial intelligence into healthcare systems. It is worth noting that OpenAI did not design ChatGPT specifically for medical purposes. Other companies, such as Google, are actively developing AI programs tailored for healthcare settings.
The study on ChatGPT’s emotional awareness underscores the growing role of AI in various aspects of human life, including mental health support. As the field continues to advance, it is essential to strike a balance between embracing AI’s potential and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals seeking mental health assistance.
