97. Do Social Media and AI Bridge the Loneliness Gap or Widen it? with Dr. Jodi Halpern

Electric Ideas with Whitney Baker

In the era of rapid technological advancements such as AI and social media, there's a growing concern about whether we are losing the fundamental aspects of human connection. In today's episode, Whitney's guest, Dr. Jodi Halpern, a psychiatrist, emerging technology expert, and professor of bioethics at UC Berkeley, explores both the positive potentials and limitations of using social media and AI to enhance mental health.

Dr. Halpern highlights the pressing issue of loneliness, providing the latest statistics that reveal high levels of extreme loneliness across various demographic groups. She expresses her worries about the widespread adoption of social media, particularly among the younger generation. Dr. Halpern also delves into the advantages and disadvantages of AI bots in mental health care, emphasizing their lack of empathy, a critical element in human relationships.

This episode serves as a poignant reminder that, amid the swift progress of technology, our ability to empathize and nurture relationships remains crucial.

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Here’s what to look forward to in today’s episode

• Statistics on the loneliness pandemic and mental health diagnoses
• Practical advice for women who feel disconnected or unsatisfied with their social experiences
• The implications of loneliness on our mental health
• How social media is keeping us lonely
• Helpful ways AI can impact us as human beings
• Dr. Halpern shares her concern for bots potentially becoming the main relationship in many people’s lives
• Why empathy matters and whether or not AI can be taught empathy
• The research on the need for greater empathy in healthcare, and how technology can be a barrier to that
• Steps women can take to create a more empathetic and supportive environment for those around them

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I’d love to know what you connected with from today’s episode. Share today’s episode on Instagram and be sure to tag me - @‌Whitneywoman

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Connect with Whitney: Instagram | Website | Free 5-Minute Guided Meditation | Electric Ideas Podcast

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Connect with Jodi Halpern MD, PhD: Website | Book: From Detached Concern to Empathy: Humanizing Medical Practice