Social Chatbot Research: A Narrative Review
Tiffany Field
Social chatbots are increasingly prevalent. They have positive effects including a reduction in loneliness, anxiety and depression and an increase in self-efficacy and openness. Their negative effects include dependence, isolation, depression, the loss of chatbots, and the inability of chatbots to negotiate or sacrifice. Therapeutic applications have included several different forms of psychotherapy with as many as 30% of the forms being cognitive behavior therapy. For qualities of chatbot therapy, engagement style is considered important, as well as the creation of a bond, and an increase in counseling satisfaction that comes from being engaged with a chatbot. Dangers have also been noted for the use of social chatbots for serious psychological problems.
