Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: Are We Needed In This?
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the episode titled "Are We Needed In This?", hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into the growing integration of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, into our personal lives. They explore the implications of relying on AI for communication, relationship counseling, and even therapy, questioning the necessity of human interaction in these intimate areas.
Using ChatGPT for Personal Communication
The conversation ignites with Jack mentioning the increasing trend of individuals using ChatGPT to navigate personal relationships. He shares an anecdote about someone using AI to craft responses during marital disagreements.
Jack (00:45): "I find this to be a fascinating topic. Apparently, it's pretty damn common for people to go to ChatGPT or something similar for some like marriage counseling or guidance."
Joe adds a lighter note by joking about testing ChatGPT's response capabilities, highlighting the uncanny accuracy AI can sometimes achieve.
Joe (03:03): "I'm gonna send you a provocative text right now and we'll see what ChatGPT suggests."
Jack expresses his discomfort with the idea of AI-generated responses replacing genuine human interaction.
Jack (03:38): "Are we even needed doing it to be here? Or we should just let them have a conversation, leave them alone. They look like they're having a good time."
AI as a Therapist: Benefits and Skepticism
The hosts transition into discussing AI as a substitute for traditional therapy. Katie introduces an AI therapist named "Abby," which claims to be trained on thousands of therapy books and research papers.
Katie (13:57): "Abby has been trained on over 7,800 therapy books and research papers. I can reference almost everything that's been written about therapy to help you with whatever's bothering you."
Jack remains skeptical about the depth and personalization AI can offer compared to human therapists.
Jack (10:25): "I don't like the idea of it giving me advice on what I should be saying. It just seems weird."
Joe counters by acknowledging the potential accessibility benefits, especially for those who find traditional therapy expensive or inaccessible.
Joe (09:58): "People that can't afford therapy, and that is many, many people, because it's crazy expensive, are going to lean on this and just."
Potential Drawbacks of AI in Personal Relationships
The discussion highlights concerns about AI potentially reducing human-to-human interactions. Jack worries that relying on AI for personal issues might lead to less engagement with friends and family.
Jack (08:48): "It's just going to make less human interaction happen. Because now you don't have to take your troubling issues to your friends. You just take it to ChatGPT."
Katie raises the point about privacy and the lack of emotional intelligence in AI responses, which can sometimes lead to generic or inappropriate advice.
Katie (03:58): "One of the recommended responses was, it'll be okay. Stay strong. If I ever sent that, she would unfriend me yesterday."
Exploring AI Therapy Services
The hosts explore various AI therapy platforms, discussing their functionalities and user experiences. Katie shares her interaction with "Abby," noting the customization options that tailor the AI's approach based on user preferences.
Katie (15:01): "It's asking me, who do you want me to be? A professional therapist? An empathetic friend? A tough coach, a mindfulness guru, problem solver, or a philosophical guide?"
Jack concedes that while AI might offer a breadth of knowledge, it lacks the nuanced understanding that human therapists provide through long-term relationships and personalized follow-ups.
Jack (16:08): "You remember last week when you bought that thing and he was upset about it. He might still just be upset about that. That's the sort of in-depth follow-up I don't think you're gonna get from an AI bot."
Social Implications and Future Outlook
As the conversation progresses, the hosts ponder the broader social implications of AI integration into personal aspects of life. Joe speculates on the future of counseling jobs and the potential shift towards AI-driven support systems.
Joe (14:44): "Instead of having that knowledge distilled and passed through that dipshit, you have it through what is allegedly perhaps a neutral source."
Katie expresses intrigue about the potential of AI therapy for her children, highlighting both fascination and cautious optimism.
Katie (16:09): "I need to look into that for one of my kids. Yeah, I'm intrigued."
Humorous Demonstration of AI Responses
To illustrate the sometimes awkward nature of AI-generated responses, the hosts engage in a playful reenactment. They showcase how ChatGPT might respond to personal messages, leading to humorous and cringe-worthy exchanges.
Katie (19:15): "Did Chat GPT tell you to say that? Wow."
Joe (19:14): "Delete it."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Jack and Joe reflecting on the balance between leveraging AI for convenience and maintaining authentic human connections. While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in making therapy more accessible, they remain wary of its limitations in fostering genuine emotional support.
Jack (18:04): "This is gonna put a lot of therapists out of work, guaranteed."
Joe (18:19): "Text me the link. It's old, Katie. It'll take you all day trying to explain it to me."
Overall, "Are We Needed In This?" presents a thought-provoking exploration of AI's role in personal relationships and mental health, encouraging listeners to weigh the advantages against the potential loss of human touch.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jack (00:45): "I find this to be a fascinating topic. Apparently, it's pretty damn common for people to go to ChatGPT or something similar for some like marriage counseling or guidance."
- Katie (13:57): "Abby has been trained on over 7,800 therapy books and research papers. I can reference almost everything that's been written about therapy to help you with whatever's bothering you."
- Jack (08:48): "It's just going to make less human interaction happen. Because now you don't have to take your troubling issues to your friends. You just take it to ChatGPT."
- Joe (14:44): "Instead of having that knowledge distilled and passed through that dipshit, you have it through what is allegedly perhaps a neutral source."
- Katie (19:15): "Did Chat GPT tell you to say that? Wow."
This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers listeners a comprehensive look into the evolving dynamics between humans and artificial intelligence in the realm of personal relationships and mental health, fostering a deeper understanding of where technology may be heading and its potential impact on our social fabric.