AI/ML in the News - Highlights 06 Jun 2025

The articles this week focus on two main themes: the increasing use of AI for mental health support, particularly among younger generations, and the impact of AI on education and learning processes. These topics are highly relevant to university lecturers, administrators, and students as they highlight the changing landscape of mental health resources and educational methodologies in the face of advancing AI technologies.

While Quiroz-Gutierrez (2025) and Yeomans (2025) discuss the use of AI in therapy, they present contrasting views on its efficacy and potential risks. Deacon (2025) takes a more critical stance on AI in education, arguing against its integration, which contrasts with the proposal mentioned by Daniel Susskind to incorporate AI learning into school curricula.

Applications of AI/ML for consumers and businesses

• Quiroz-Gutierrez (2025) reports on Gen Z’s increasing use of ChatGPT for affordable, on-demand therapy. This trend highlights a new application of AI in mental health services, potentially disrupting traditional therapy models and raising questions about the effectiveness and safety of AI-based mental health support.

Social, Ethical and Regulatory Issues

• Yeomans (2025) warns that AI therapy is not a substitute for human judgment in mental health treatment. This article underscores the ethical concerns and potential limitations of AI in sensitive fields like mental health, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of AI’s role in healthcare.
• Deacon (2025) argues that AI poses a greater threat to children’s education than smartphones or ideological issues. This piece highlights the potential negative impacts of AI on critical thinking skills and traditional educational methods, raising important questions about the future of learning and skill development in an AI-dominated world.

The articles reveal a complex landscape where AI is rapidly integrating into crucial areas of society, particularly mental health and education. While AI offers potential benefits such as increased accessibility to mental health support, it also raises significant concerns about the quality of care, the development of critical thinking skills, and the future of work. As AI continues to evolve, it’s clear that educators, students, and society at large must engage in ongoing dialogue and critical evaluation to ensure that AI is used in ways that enhance rather than diminish human capabilities and well-being.

1. The integration of AI into mental health services (Quiroz-Gutierrez 2025; Yeomans 2025) suggests a need for educators to prepare students for a world where AI plays a significant role in healthcare. This may involve incorporating discussions about AI ethics, limitations, and potential in healthcare curricula.

2. The debate over AI’s role in education (Deacon 2025) challenges educators to critically evaluate how AI tools should be integrated into teaching methods. It’s crucial to balance the benefits of AI with the need to develop students’ independent thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. The contrasting views on AI’s impact (Quiroz-Gutierrez 2025; Deacon 2025) highlight the importance of fostering critical analysis skills in students. Educators should encourage students to evaluate AI’s potential benefits and drawbacks across various fields, preparing them to navigate an increasingly AI-influenced professional landscape.

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