(De) Stigmatising Mental Health: Could Chatbots Be the Solution? by Fikile Muriel Mnisi1
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Abstract
Recently, there has been an increase in the use of computer programs that use
textual or vocal interfaces to replicate human communication, namely, chatbots.
Chatbots have changed the provision of healthcare services, especially within the
context of mental health; this field has seen an introduction of various chatbots
designed to offer mental healthcare services that would be conventionally offered
by humans. Despite the numerous advantages brought forth by chatbots within the
context of mental health.
However, the use of chatbots within the context of the
provisioning of mental healthcare services raises certain ethical issues that have not
been comprehensively addressed, especially those linked to the (de)stigmatization
of mental health disorders. Granted, these are not new ethical issues but, in this case,
they may be exacerbated by many factors including the stigmas surrounding mental
healthcare. Stigmas that often prevent individuals from seeking the necessary
clinical help that they need. As a result, innovative solutions have had to be put in
place in order to address some of these stigmas Therefore, the aim of this paper is
to discuss and unpacks some of the ethical issues and considerations associated
with the use of chatbots in mental healthcare and their potential impact on the
(de)stigmatization of mental health illnesses or disorders.
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