The shame-free zone
Relationship therapist and counsellor Amanda Lambros isn’t particularly surprised by the figures
“For some people, AI removes several of the things that make human vulnerability difficult,” she says. “There’s no awkward facial expression, fear of judgement, interruption or worry that what you disclose will change how someone sees you. You can type something deeply personal at 2am and receive an immediate response. Psychologically, that can make disclosure feel remarkably low-risk.”
That may be particularly powerful when what we’re carrying comes with shame. With another person, we don’t just have to find the courage to say the words. We also have to live with their response and the possibility that what we tell them may alter how they see us. A chatbot removes much of that risk. There is no raised eyebrow or weird silence, and no need to worry that we’re burdening it
