Woebot - Messenger's First Therapist Chatbot
 |
The above quote is the first thing 'Woebot' says to you upon connecting through Messenger, and then it starts asking questions. Through this, it helps you to 'recognise patterns' and leads you through what is essentially a CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) course, albeit a lot more basic. According to the researchers at Stanford who tested Woebot, it only takes two weeks of daily five minute check-ins before measurable results start coming in.
Impressive as that is, a robot is no substitute for a real living, breathing therapist, something which Woebot clarifies before you start the sessions. It's meant more as a companion to actual CBT than a complete course. Speaking as someone who has undergone CBT for real, it does play out like a kind of watered down version. You get asked the same questions about you mood and thoughts, and the bot sends videos and tips about daily attitude designed to help shoo all the negative thoughts away.
I did one session, during which the bot sent me a video about the significance of language when describing emotional states. It wasn't the most well-produced video in the world but it got the message across. The more significant thing was that the bot asked me about me mood and offered to extend the session if I felt the need to talk things through further. Given that most Messenger users are active daily, and use it on the move, this is a smart approach.
Once again, this is not a worthy trade off for a real therapist, but even being able to vent your issues with a chatbot has its merits. They haven't been around for long enough for any real, peer-reviewed evidence on their effectiveness to come out, but it certainly can't do any harm. If you're feeling anxious or depressed but aren't sure about taking it further, Woebot might be an effective first step.
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @Songbird_Callum
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Woebot - Messenger's First Therapist Chatbot
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, June 12, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, June 12, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.