A virtual therapist named “Ellie” is being tested by the U.S. military in Afghanistan. Equipped with an Xbox Kinect motion sensor and webcam, she nods at the right time, urges patients on with a well-timed response, and knows when to stop talking. According to a NBC News report, a study found that some patients were more willing to open up to Ellie than to a human therapist about sensitive issues, because they felt like they were not being judged. Don’t worry, this technology isn’t designed to replace real-life therapists. Instead, the computerized counselor can be used as a screening tool in the field to spot mental health problems early and track them consistently over time, letting therapists do their jobs more effectively. A virtual human is inexpensive, does not get tired, and works around the clock, gathering and analyzing massive amounts of data for trained professionals who can take the next step. To learn more, see nbcnews/tech/gadgets/how-virtual-therapy-could-help-military-fight-ptsd-n168746
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 20:10:34 +0000
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