South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare has issued national guidelines on the safe use of generative AI for mental health support, warning against excessive emotional dependence on the technology and reliance on AI-generated mental health advice.
Developed with the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association (KNPA), the guidelines advise users to verify AI-generated mental health information, protect sensitive personal data, seek professional help and consult others before making important life decisions.
The MOHW has introduced two sets of guidelines: one for the general public and another for children, adolescents and their guardians.
The general guidelines contain 21 recommendations organised around three core messages: understanding the risks of using genAI for mental health support, avoiding self-diagnosis based on AI-generated responses, and maintaining human relationships rather than becoming overly dependent on AI.
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