Key Takeaways:
- A new form of therapy uses AI-generated deepfakes of attackers to help survivors of abuse process their trauma
- The therapy involves a controlled conversation between the survivor and the deepfake, with a trained clinician operating the technology
- The goal is to provide a safe space for survivors to express their feelings and confront their attackers, while minimizing the risk of re-traumatization
- The therapy has shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms and increasing self-forgiveness in participants
- However, there are potential risks and ethical considerations, such as the blurring of reality and the privacy implications for the perpetrator
Introduction to Deepfake Therapy
The use of AI-generated deepfakes in therapy is a relatively new and innovative approach to treating survivors of abuse. Marina vd Roest, one of the first people to try out this form of therapy, reported feeling "scared… like a little child again" when confronted with a realistic, blinking, and speaking deepfake of her abuser. Despite the initial fear, vd Roest found the experience to be a revelation, allowing her to finally express her feelings and confront her attacker in a safe and controlled environment.
The Therapy Process
The therapy involves a thorough preparation process, where patients undergo interviews to help them set expectations for the confrontation. The therapist uses the patient’s descriptions and photos of the perpetrator to create a realistic deepfake, which is operated by a trained clinician during a live session. The patient can say whatever they want to the deepfake, and the therapist can adopt different personas to make the encounter feel as realistic as possible. The goal is to provide a safe space for the survivor to express their feelings and confront their attacker, while minimizing the risk of re-traumatization.
The Benefits of Deepfake Therapy
The therapy has shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms and increasing self-forgiveness in participants. Vd Roest reported a significant reduction in her PTSD symptoms and an increase in self-forgiveness after the therapy. The therapy also provides a sense of empowerment and justice for the survivor, allowing them to finally express themselves and hold their attacker accountable. As Jackie June ter Heide, the clinical psychologist leading the study, notes, "It gives the victim the sense of being heard… Even if the perpetrator is not able to be very empathetic, at least it gives them the sense that ‘I have spoken up for myself. I have done justice to myself.’"
Potential Risks and Ethical Considerations
While the therapy has shown promising results, there are potential risks and ethical considerations. The blurring of reality and the risk of re-traumatization are significant concerns, particularly if the therapy is not conducted in a controlled and clinical setting. Additionally, there are privacy implications for the perpetrator, whose photographs are used to design the deepfake. The European Union has strict data-privacy laws, which may impact the use of this therapy in other parts of the world.
Regulatory Hurdles and Future Directions
The results of the ongoing study will not be published until next year, but the initial findings are promising. The therapy has the potential to provide a new and innovative approach to treating survivors of abuse, but it is crucial to address the potential risks and ethical considerations. The use of watermarks on manipulated media and clear guidelines for the use of deepfake technology in therapy are essential to ensuring the safe and effective use of this technology. As Marieke Bak, assistant professor in medical ethics at Amsterdam UMC, notes, "It’s really about having good therapists in control… No one is going to take home the deepfakes." The future of deepfake therapy will depend on careful consideration of these risks and the development of clear guidelines and regulations.
Conclusion
The use of AI-generated deepfakes in therapy is a promising new approach to treating survivors of abuse. While there are potential risks and ethical considerations, the benefits of this therapy, including the reduction of PTSD symptoms and the increase in self-forgiveness, make it an important area of study. As the field continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of patients and to develop clear guidelines and regulations for the use of deepfake technology in therapy. With careful consideration and responsible development, deepfake therapy has the potential to provide a new and innovative approach to healing and recovery for survivors of abuse.
