AI has human emotions? Study reveals insights into AI’s emotional responses in mental health care

A study published in Nature titled ‘Assessing and alleviating state anxiety in large language models’ has uncovered that AI models, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, can experience heightened emotional responses when exposed to sensitive, emotionally charged content. This research, led by experts from Yale University, Haifa University, and the University of Zurich, explores the emotional capabilities and limitations of AI systems, particularly within mental health care. The study finds that while AI does not “feel” emotions in the same way humans do, it can simulate emotional responses, which could influence its role in therapeutic settings.