Latest news with #Nirmala
CNA
5 days ago
- CNA
‘Won't get annoyed, won't snap': Indonesians tap AI for judgement-free emotional support, but risks abound
JAKARTA: Ahead of an extended family gathering, Nirmala (not her real name) found herself unusually anxious. The reason: Small talk that could spiral into interrogation. 'Sometimes I just don't know how to answer questions from relatives, and that stresses me out,' said Nirmala, 39, who asked to remain anonymous. In contrast, the generative artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT has been nothing but a source of comfort ever since Nirmala began using it as a sounding board last October. 'It's not that I don't have anyone to talk to,' Nirmala told CNA Indonesia. 'But when I bring up things that people think are trivial, I'm often told I'm being dramatic. So I talk to AI instead – at least it listens without throwing judgement.' Like Nirmala, overseas student Ila (not her real name) has turned to AI-driven chatbots for advice. Ila, 35, first turned to ChatGPT in April 2023 when she was preparing to move abroad for further studies. She later began also using Chinese AI platform DeepSeek. At first, Ila – who also requested anonymity – used the platforms for practical information about university life and daily routines in her host country, which she declined to reveal. 'Before leaving for school, I had a ton of questions about life abroad, especially since I had to bring my children with me. AI became one of the ways I could gain perspective, aside from talking directly with people who'd already been through it,' she said. The platforms' replies put her at such ease that in October last year, she began sharing her personal issues with the chatbots. NO JUDGEMENT FROM CHATBOTS AI chatbots have taken the world by storm in recent years and more people are turning to them for mental health issues. Indonesia is no different. An online survey in April by branding and data firm Snapcart found that 6 per cent of 3,611 respondents there are using AI "as a friend to talk to and share feelings with". Nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) of respondents who gave this answer said they would sometimes consider AI as a replacement for psychologists. People in Southeast Asia's largest economy are not necessarily turning to AI chatbots because they lack human friends, but because AI is available 24/7 and "listens" without judgement, users and observers told CNA Indonesia. The tool, they said, is especially handy in a country with a relatively low number of psychologists. According to the Indonesian Clinical Psychologists Association, the country has 4,004 certified clinical psychologists, of whom 3,084 are actively practising. With a population of about 280 million people, this translates to about 1.43 certified clinical psychologists per 100,000 population. In comparison, neighbouring Singapore has 9.7 psychologists per 100,000 population – a ratio that is already lower than in other Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development nations. The potential benefits of using AI in mental health are clear, experts said, even as risks and the need for regulation exist. The rise of AI as a trusted outlet for emotional expression is closely tied to people's increasingly digital lives, said clinical psychologist Catarina Asthi Dwi Jayanti from Santosha Mental Health Centre in Bandung. AI conversations can feel more intuitive for those who grew up with texting and screens, she said, adding that at least a dozen clients have told her they have consulted AI. "For some people, writing is a way to organise their thoughts. AI provides that space, without the fear of being judged," she said. Conversing with ChatGPT is a safe way of rehearsing her thoughts before opening up to somebody close to her, Nirmala said. "Honestly it doesn't feel like I'm talking to a machine. It feels like a conversation with someone who gets me," she said. AI chatbots offer accessibility, anonymity, and speed, said telecommunications expert Heru Sutadi, executive director of the Indonesia ICT Institute. AI platforms, he said, are "programmed to be neutral and non-critical". "That's why users often feel more accepted, even if the responses aren't always deeply insightful," he said. Unlike a session with a psychologist, "you can access AI 24/7, often at little to no cost", Heru said. "Users can share as much as they want without the pressure of social expectations. And best of all, AI replies instantly." In Indonesia, an in-person session with a private psychologist can cost upwards of 350,000 rupiah (US$21.50). Popular telemedicine platform Halodoc offers psychiatrist consultations at prices starting from 70,000 rupiah, while mental health app Riliv offers online sessions with a psychologist at prices starting from 50,000 rupiah. Another advantage of a chatbot, said Ila, is that it "won't get annoyed, won't snap, won't have feelings about me bombarding it with a dozen questions". "That's not the case when you're talking to a real person," she added. As such, AI can serve as a "first safe zone" before someone seeks professional help, especially when dealing with topics such as sexuality, religion, trauma or family conflict, said Catarina. "The anonymity of the internet, and the comfort that comes with it, allows young people to open up without the fear of shame or social stigma," she explained. Some of her clients, she added, turned to AI because they "felt free to share without worrying what others, including psychologists, might think of them, especially if they feared being labelled as strange or overly emotional." RISKS AND IMPACT ON REAL-LIFE RELATIONSHIPS But mental health professionals are just as wary of the risks posed by AI chatbots, citing issues such as privacy, regulation of the technology and their impact on users' real-life interactions with others. The machines can offer a false sense of comfort, Heru said. "The perceived empathy and safety can be misleading. Users might think AI is capable of human warmth when, in reality, it's just an algorithm mimicking patterns." Another major concern is data privacy, Heru said. Conversations with AI are stored on company servers and if cyber breaches occur, "sensitive data could be leaked, misused for targeted advertising, profiling, or even sold to third parties". For its part, Open AI, ChatGPT's parent company, has said: "We do not actively collect personal information to train our models, do not use public internet data to profile individuals, target advertising, or sell user data." Indonesia released a National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in 2020, but the document is non-binding. AI is currently governed loosely under the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law and the 2022 Personal Data Protection Law, both of which touch on AI but lack specificity. A Code of Ethics for AI was issued by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs in 2023, but its guidelines remain vague. In January this year, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid announced comprehensive AI regulations would be rolled out. Studies are also emerging on the impact of chatbot usage on users' real-life social interactions. In a 2024 study involving 496 users of the chatbot Replika, researchers from China found that greater use of AI chatbots, and satisfaction with them, could negatively affect a person's real-life interpersonal skills and relationships. Child and adolescent clinical psychologist Lydia Agnes Gultom from Klinik Utama dr. Indrajana said AI-based relationships are inherently one-sided. Such interactions could hinder people's abilities to empathise, resolve conflicts, assert themselves, negotiate or collaborate, she said. "In the long run, this reduces exposure to genuine social interaction," said Agnes. In other countries, experts have highlighted the need for guardrails on the use of AI chatbots for mental health. As these platforms tend to align with and reinforce users' views, they may fail to challenge dangerous beliefs and could potentially drive vulnerable individuals to self-harm, the American Psychological Association told US regulators earlier this year. Safety features introduced by some companies, such as disclaimers that the chatbots are not "real people", are also inadequate, the experts said. AI can complement the work of mental health professionals, experts told CNA Indonesia. It can offer initial emotional support and a space for humans to share and explore their feelings with the right prompts, said Catarina of Santosha Mental Health Centre. But when it comes to diagnosis and grasping the complexity of human emotions, AI still falls short, she said. "It lacks interview (skills), observation and a battery of assessment tools." AI cannot provide proper intervention in emergency situations such as suicide ideation, panic attacks or abuse, said Agnes of Klinik Utama dr. Indrajana, a healthcare clinic in Jakarta. Therapeutic relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and nonverbal communication can only happen between humans, she added.
Hans India
09-06-2025
- Hans India
Minister Lokesh's intervention rescues Gulf victim
Rajamahendravaram: Thanks to the timely intervention and persistent efforts of Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real Time Governance and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh, a woman from East Godavari district who endured over 16 months of suffering in Kuwait has safely returned to her native village. Chilaka Nirmala, a resident of Prakasaraopalem village in Nallajerla mandal, had migrated to Kuwait nearly a year and a half ago in search of employment. While the initial two months went smoothly, her ordeal began in the third month when she started facing severe harassment at the hands of her employer's wife. Speaking to The Hans India, Nirmala said that she was subjected to inhumane treatment, denied proper food, and burdened with excessive workload. Her physical and mental health deteriorated gradually. Despite enduring the abuse for a year, her health declined to the point that she attempted suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills, an attempt that ultimately failed. In a desperate last attempt to escape, she reached out to Prakasaraopalem Sarpanch K. John Victor Babu, Gopalapuram Market Committee Chairman Y. Brahma Raju, and AP Health Employees Society State Secretary GVV Prasad. Moved by her plight, they escalated the matter to Gopalapuram MLA Maddipati Venkataraju, urging him to initiate rescue efforts. The MLA, in turn, brought the issue to the notice of Minister Nara Lokesh. Responding swiftly, Lokesh coordinated with the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) and facilitated communication with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Subsequently, the embassy summoned both Nirmala and her employers, held discussions, and with the support of the embassy and APNRTS, made arrangements for her safe repatriation to India. Visibly emotional, Nirmala expressed her gratitude, stating, 'I never imagined I would return home alive. This feels like a rebirth. I will forever remain indebted to Minister Nara Lokesh and MLA Venkataraju for saving my life.' Later, she visited MLA Venkataraju at his office in Nallajerla and thanked him for his role in her rescue. The MLA assured her that the government would extend all necessary support for her medical and economic rehabilitation. This incident not only highlights the hardships faced by migrant workers but also underscores the importance of government intervention in protecting the rights and lives of citizens abroad.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- The Hindu
Youth told to join hands in efforts to eradicate child marriage
Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department Veeranagouda has said that child marriage is an age-old social evil practice and it should be eradicated from the route. He was addressing an awareness programme on women's safety and empowerment, the POCSO Act and the Prevention of Child Marriages Act, which was held at the government degree college in Yadgir for girl students leading at colleges. The programme was jointly held by the department, school education, and literacy department under the Mission Shakthi scheme. Mr. Veeranagouda said that child marriages can be strictly prevented only after the general public, especially young generation boys and girls, join their hands with the department. 'Anybody can dial the helpline numbers 1098, 112 and 181 to prevent child marriages or to protect women. Not only the child marriages, but underage pregnancy also can be prevented by collective measures,' he added. Nirmala, lecturer, said that the child marriages aren't prevented despite all possible awareness initiated over a decade. However, it can be prevented by continuous awareness programmes, she added. Bisalappa Kattimani, Yallappa, Basalingmma and others also spoke.
New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Youth dies of kidney ailment in Salem; doctors clarify Covid not the cause amid mask panic in Coimbatore
Meanwhile, in Coimbatore, misinformation about a mandatory mask rule for visitors at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) caused panic on Saturday. Earlier, following a nationwide rise in Covid-19 cases, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) had advised the public to wear masks and maintain physical distancing. However, a security guard at CMCH mistakenly announced via a public address system that wearing face masks was compulsory for all visitors. The message was further circulated by vendors outside the hospital selling face masks, leading to confusion and concern among the public. Hospital Dean Dr A. Nirmala clarified that the announcement was made in error. 'A private firm that provides security and housekeeping services to CMCH had asked its staff to wear PPE kits, masks, and gloves for their own protection. The security staff misunderstood this instruction and conveyed it incorrectly to the public,' she said. An internal inquiry was held, and staff were instructed not to make such announcements on their own. Dr Nirmala added, 'There is no government order making masks compulsory. However, wearing masks is still advisable as respiratory infections tend to spread during the rainy season.' She further clarified that there is currently no alarming rise in fever cases or Covid-19 infections in Coimbatore. 'Some misinformation led to unnecessary panic among visitors,' she said.
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Woman's Uber driver turns out to be her ‘team lead' in ‘peak Bengaluru moment'; says ‘he does this for…'
In a story that has the internet buzzing, a Bengaluru woman recently shared an unexpected twist to her Uber ride—her driver turned out to be none other than her team lead from work. She took to X to share a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation describing the bizarre-yet-very-Bengaluru moment: 'Funny thing happened, you know. I booked Uber, and the guy who picked me up was a team lead at my office.' The plot thickened when she explained that her boss was not moonlighting for extra cash. 'He said he does this for fun and to kill some boredom,' she wrote. Apparently, he just enjoys the change of pace. The post quickly went viral, with many calling it the perfect example of Bengaluru's unique, startup-driven, hustle-heavy culture. Peak Bangalore moment? — purpleready (@epicnephrin_e) May 22, 2025 One user chimed in, 'Must be a side hussle after month end blessings from Nirmala tai and Siddu uncle!' Another was more skeptical: 'No one does it for fun, probably facing financial issues.' Others questioned the plausibility of the situation altogether—'Naah it seems fake, unless her team lead is from sales or hospitality,' someone noted, while another wondered, 'How can a team lead have so much of free time?' Interestingly, this is not the first time such a story has surfaced from India's tech capital. Last year, a Microsoft engineer made headlines for driving an auto-rickshaw on weekends just to cope with loneliness—wearing his company hoodie while at the wheel. Yet another 'peak Bengaluru' moment that took over the internet features a man commuting to work on a unicycle through the notoriously chaotic Outer Ring Road (ORR) traffic. A viral video doing the rounds on social media captures the scene: the man, geared up with a helmet and a backpack, smoothly navigating the packed road, weaving past cars and buses on just one wheel, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
