The Ethics of AI in Mental Health
A critical examination of using artificial intelligence for addiction support and mental wellbeing— including this very platform.
The Paradox of This Platform
Here's an important acknowledgment: This platform uses AI (Aiden, our chatbot) to help people with addiction—including technology addiction. There's an inherent irony and ethical complexity here.
We're using technology to help people break free from technology dependency. We're employing AI to address problems partially caused by manipulative digital design. This isn't lost on us—it's central to our ethical framework.
The question isn't "Should we use technology?" but rather "How do we use it responsibly, transparently, and in service of human wellbeing rather than exploitation?"
Key Ethical Considerations
AI Limitations in Mental Health
- •AI cannot provide diagnosis or treatment—only licensed professionals can
- •Lacks human empathy, intuition, and contextual understanding
- •Cannot handle crisis situations or suicidal ideation appropriately
- •May miss subtle emotional cues that humans would detect
- •Should complement, not replace, human care
Privacy & Data Ethics
- •Mental health data is highly sensitive and requires maximum protection
- •Users must understand what data is collected and how it's used
- •Consent should be informed, explicit, and revocable
- •Data should not be sold or used for purposes beyond stated intent
- •Special consideration for vulnerable populations (minors, crisis situations)
Bias & Representation
- •AI training data may not represent diverse populations adequately
- •Cultural differences in mental health expression and treatment
- •Language barriers and accessibility concerns
- •Risk of perpetuating existing healthcare disparities
- •Need for diverse teams building mental health AI
Transparency & Accountability
- •Users should know they're interacting with AI, not a human
- •Clear boundaries about what AI can and cannot do
- •Explanation of how AI generates responses
- •Accountability when AI provides harmful or inappropriate advice
- •Regular auditing and quality control
What AI Should (and Shouldn't) Do
Establishing clear boundaries is essential for ethical AI in mental health support.
Provide information and education
Diagnose mental health conditions
Offer coping strategies and resources
Prescribe medication or treatment plans
Listen and validate feelings
Replace therapy or professional care
Direct to professional help when needed
Handle crisis situations independently
Encourage healthy habits and self-reflection
Make promises about recovery or outcomes
Our Commitments to You
How Unhook approaches AI ethics in practice:
🔒 Privacy First
Your data stays on your device. We don't collect, store, or sell your information.
🎯 Clear Purpose
We exist to educate and support, not to profit from your vulnerability.
🏥 Professional Care Priority
We actively direct users to professional help and never claim to replace it.
💬 Transparent AI
Aiden is clearly labeled as AI with explicit limitations stated upfront.
🌍 Accessible Design
Free, no registration required, works on any device, respects accessibility needs.
📚 Continuous Learning
We stay informed about AI ethics research and adapt our approach accordingly.
The Bigger Question
Beyond this platform, we must ask ourselves:
As Individuals
- • How do we maintain agency in an age of addictive design?
- • What responsibility do we have for our digital consumption?
- • How can we support others without judgment?
As a Society
- • Should addictive design be regulated like tobacco?
- • Who's accountable when AI mental health tools cause harm?
- • How do we balance innovation with protection?
These aren't just technical questions—they're fundamentally human ones.