AI: A Dual Impact on Human Cognition

Published Date : 26/10/2025 

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Shekhar Seshadri discusses the ethical and psychological challenges posed by AI, particularly in substituting essential cognitive processes and affecting mental health. 

Bengaluru: While artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to bring significant efficiency and insight, it also substitutes essential cognitive processes in humans, according to child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Shekhar Seshadri. This was highlighted during a discussion hosted by the city-based NGO, IT for Change.

Dr. Seshadri, a professor of health at the Azim Premji Foundation, emphasized the ethical and psychological challenges posed by technological advancements. He stated, 'Artificial intelligence may bring efficiencies and insight, but it also substitutes essential cognitive processes such as introspection and self-inquiry. Historically, self-awareness has been developed through practices like journaling, meditation, therapy, and nurture. However, these processes are now being outsourced to algorithmic systems that provide predetermined summaries of one's mood, behaviors, and thoughts.'

Algorithms, he explained, are not limited to social media, streaming, or commercial platforms. They are solutions born out of the need to grow these platforms, increase user interactions, and ultimately boost profitability. Dr. Seshadri also highlighted the role of recommendation algorithms, which personalize content based on user data. This personalization can lead to body image issues and mental health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as adolescent girls.

In the realm of mental health, concerns were raised about AI-driven therapeutic platforms. These platforms may fail to recognize the nuanced aspects of human distress. 'AI and algorithms cannot assume responsibility for emotional reflection,' Dr. Seshadri asserted. He emphasized the need for human-centered approaches in mental health care and called for 'algorithmic literacy' to help individuals understand how AI mediates their perception of the world and themselves.

The discussion underscored the importance of balancing the benefits of AI with the preservation of essential human cognitive processes. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to ensure that it complements rather than replaces the fundamental aspects of human development and mental well-being. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What are the main concerns Dr. Shekhar Seshadri has about AI?

A: Dr. Seshadri is concerned that AI substitutes essential cognitive processes such as introspection and self-inquiry, which are traditionally developed through practices like journaling, meditation, and therapy. He also worries about the impact of recommendation algorithms on mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations like adolescent girls.

Q: How do recommendation algorithms affect mental health?

A: Recommendation algorithms personalize content based on user data, which can lead to body image issues and mental health consequences, especially for vulnerable groups such as adolescent girls. These algorithms can create echo chambers that reinforce negative behaviors and thoughts.

Q: What is the role of AI in therapeutic platforms?

A: AI-driven therapeutic platforms provide predetermined summaries of one's mood, behaviors, and thoughts. However, they may fail to recognize the nuanced aspects of human distress and cannot assume responsibility for emotional reflection, which is crucial in mental health care.

Q: What is 'algorithmic literacy' and why is it important?

A: Algorithmic literacy refers to the understanding of how AI and algorithms mediate our perception of the world and ourselves. It is important because it helps individuals make informed decisions and be aware of the potential biases and impacts of algorithmic systems on their lives.

Q: How can we balance the benefits of AI with the preservation of human cognitive processes?

A: Balancing the benefits of AI with the preservation of human cognitive processes involves ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces fundamental aspects of human development and mental well-being. This can be achieved through human-centered approaches in mental health care and promoting algorithmic literacy. 

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