As part of this year’s Mental Health Month, the Department of Health has cautioned students from seeking the help of artificial intelligence tools, instead of talking to a school guidance counselor, noting that such technology is not yet able to recognize and manage emotions.
The reminder came as part of the workshops of the DOH held at Cavite National High School in observance of this year’s Mental Health Month.
At the event, DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said students should be careful about seeking help from AI tools instead of another person regarding their mental health. “We are not saying it’s wrong, but this is one of the challenges we have to overcome,” he said. “AI is a machine, it cannot read your face, it cannot feel.”
According to Domingo, the Department of Education is set to hire around 10,000 school counselor associates “very soon” to address the lack of guidance counselors in schools.
When asked how it feels to seek the help of a school guidance counselor, a student shared, “I’m afraid. When I go to the guidance counselor, it feels like I did something wrong.”
Tina Marasigan, health promotion bureau director at the DOH, acknowledged that some students may feel uncomfortable reaching out to someone older than them, but she assured them that “it’s not wrong to go to a guidance counselor.”
“Your guidance counselors are there. They will help, but your emotions and reservations are valid,” she stressed.
Given the acute shortage of guidance counselors in the country, along with the stigma that still comes with having mental health issues, it is easy for troubled youth to turn to AI, especially if it provides a convenient option. This is why our schools and the Department of Education have to work harder to fill this particularly large gap, because if the qualified humans are not available, it would be much easier for AI to take their place, which in this case could lead to unexpected results.*
