ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

Nowadays, artificial intelligence represents the quintessential ‘urgent and necessary’ theme. To a great extent, this is due to the fact that the advent of new and powerful computer tools – I am thinking particularly of machine learning GAN networks – has unveiled the naivety of many ancient philosophical prejudices, prompting scholars to re-engage in discussions concerning the potential, characteristics, and associated risks of artificial intelligence. The debate has thus become highly engaging, replete with provocations and interdisciplinary exchanges. This article aims to contribute to this context by approaching the issue from a somewhat original perspective: exploring the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and mental health, considered as a fundamental human right. To this end, after some brief theoretical and historical premises, the text examines the epidemiological impact of AI. Subsequently, it lists its potential in the realm of care and prevention, concluding with reflections on the legal issues and challenges posed by its usage.