How AI Deepfakes Impact Mental Health Confessions

In the realm of mental health, a recent study has been looking into how deepfake technology affects people's willingness to open up about their struggles. The research focused on three types of deepfakes:

• Ones that look like the person themselves
• Ones that look like celebrities
• Ones that are just virtual characters

Key Findings

The study found that when people saw a deepfake version of themselves talking about mental health issues, they were more likely to feel uncomfortable and less likely to want to seek help. This was especially true for people who were already dealing with mental health challenges.

Interestingly, seeing a celebrity deepfake didn't have the same effect.

Why the Discomfort?

The researchers think this might be because seeing a deepfake of yourself can feel like an identity threat. It's like looking in a mirror and not recognizing what you see. This can make people feel uneasy and resist the message, even if it's about something important like mental health.

Impact on Vulnerable Groups

The study also found that people with lower baseline mental health were more likely to feel this discomfort. This is a big deal because it means that the very people who need mental health support the most might be the ones who are least likely to get it from this kind of technology.

Recommendations

The researchers warn that AI-driven technologies should be used carefully in health communication. They suggest that tailored strategies are needed to prevent people from reacting impulsively and emotionally, which could do more harm than good.