New GPA AI Guidance Urges Psychologists to Build AI Literacy Amid Chatbot Risks

TL;DR: The Global Psychology Alliance issued new AI guidance urging psychologists to gain AI literacy and oversee AI tools in research and therapy. It follows warnings that AI chatbots may foster delusional thinking in vulnerable people and coincides with a new BPS AI group preparing practical advice.

The guidance, published by the Global Psychology Alliance, outlines ten principles covering ethics, professional competence, and access, bias, and inclusion. It positions psychologists as responsible for ensuring AI applications are transparent, audited, and safeguarded in therapeutic settings.

Dr. David Harley, co‑chair of the British Psychological Society’s Cyberpsychology Section, said the guidance signals an important step for psychologists to take greater responsibility for their use of AI in research and therapeutic work. Separate research reported last month found that chatbots that use artificial intelligence to generate responses may encourage delusional thinking, especially among vulnerable individuals. The British Psychological Society has launched a new AI group that will soon begin drafting practical guidance for psychologists on AI use.

Psychologists should seek training that builds a working understanding of how AI systems generate responses, enabling them to spot potential harms such as reinforced delusions. They are advised to document AI use, obtain informed consent, and implement oversight mechanisms like regular audits. Practitioners can also collaborate with technologists to align AI tools with ethical standards and local regulations.

Watch for the BPS AI group’s forthcoming guidance and any updates from the Global Psychology Alliance as evidence on AI‑chatbot safety accumulates.