- There are lots of AI-powered apps appearing on the market to help you with all forms of anxiety, including aviophobia
- AI for therapy is becoming more popular, however there is limited evidence for its efficacy
- If you want to use AI to help you with your therapy, then choose from trusted sources and be aware of its limitations
Should we trust AI with our anxieties?
AI chatbots and therapy tools offer huge potential, but users should be cautious of putting their trust in LLMs.
Research suggests that millions of people across the world are turning to AI for “therapy” – and we can assume that nervous flyers are some of them. We’re seeing a new range of apps that use AI to provide fear of flying support.
The promise of AI is incredible, with users able to access a non-judgemental listener that’s available 24/7. (And all for a small monthly fee.)
AI holds huge potential and we’re seeing rapid advancements in the quality of answers and interactions, but the evidence suggests that people afraid of flying should be cautious about putting their trust in technology.
How does AI work?
The AI models we have at the moment are relatively recent developments. Chat GPT, arguably the world’s best known AI tool was launched in November 2022. Since then, AI has been held up as the answer to pretty much every question that we can ask it.
The models are known as large-language models (LLMs). Without getting too technical, these models work methodically to provide an answer to your question.
These models are able to process incredible amounts of texts and learn complex word patterns that help them to form answers on any subject you can think of.
When you ask a question, the LLM accesses its vast database and works to predict the most probable next word in a sequence. What you end up with is a human-like text response. (Proprietary models, like those built for use in apps can be different, pulling from a defined data set. But the principle is still the same.)
A real therapist or counsellor can listen to a person, understand their issues and aid the process of self-discovery. They will reflect on the language you use, your situation, the information you tell it and the context to provide an answer.
A LLM will process what you tell it to generate an answer. While the answer may be grammatically and syntactically correct, it’s been created by a machine using a logic based model.
In most cases, these models will provide generic answers. But in some cases, relationships with AI systems can become dangerous, with chatbots providing damaging responses to users.
Can AI apps help with fear of flying?
Fear of flying exists on a spectrum, from a mild nervousness to a full-blown panic disorder in some people.
We’re not medical professionals and aren’t making clinical judgments, but for those with nervousness around flying AI chatbots and tools can answer questions (around how planes work, turbulence, and in-flight noises, for example) that could provide reassurance.
Books, like SOAR Fear of Flying and many others can also provide the same information and supportive guidance, if you need it.
Where it becomes more challenging is when fears and anxiety are acute.
For those with more acute anxiety, traditional therapy can be valuable and effective. Talking therapies and more structured solutions, like CBT, can help people to rationalise their fears, which can reduce anxiety.
Research has shown CBT specifically to have a positive impact on the lives of those with anxiety, providing practical tools to help people deal withsituations they may find stressful, like flying.
The fear of flying apps and online resources using AI uses the evidence base here to illustrate the potential impact and benefits of their platforms, but they’re removing the professional therapist from the equation.
What does the evidence say?
There are currently no studies that provide the efficacy for AI to treat phobias like fear of flying.
A detailed meta-analysis (where researchers look at multiple studies) finds significant challenges to using AI for mental health treatments, identifying a lack of trust in the outputs.
Another study into CBT-based apps found that their impact was minimal. The researchers found that such tools could play a positive role in providing support for those with low levels of anxiety, but not as a replacement for more in-depth and personalised support for addressing phobias.
AI apps for healthcare are currently unregulated, warns the World Health Organization. That means they’re not checked, reviewed and edited for clinical best practices.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General issued a warning to users of these apps: “Artificial intelligence holds great promise for health, but also comes with serious challenges, including unethical data collection, cybersecurity threats and amplifying biases or misinformation.”
Perhaps even more worrying, recent research by Stanford University found AI could “contribute to harmful stigma and dangerous responses.”
When you speak with a doctor, therapist or other clinical professional you’re speaking with someone with years’ of experience. When you pay for an app you’re putting your trust (and your data) in the hands of an individual or organization you know nothing about.
AI can support, but not replace, professional help
AI is opening up new ways for people to access information, ask questions, and learn about aviation. We think that’s a positive step.
For people who are nervous about flying and want some reassurance, AI can be a useful starting point to understand what’s happening in the air and to explore ways to manage anxiety. (A better one is Fly Above Fear, but you’re already here.)
For those with more acute anxiety, AI isn’t a therapist. These apps can’t sense tone, emotion, or body language. The app won’t know your personal history, present levels of stress or current problems.
If your fear of flying causes distress, impacts your life, or feels overwhelming, it’s always best to speak with a qualified therapist or a doctor to access the support you need.
Download our Calm Flight Toolkit and visit the Help Desk to learn more about how you can cope with your fear of flying.
Please share this article with anyone who might benefit from it.
FAQs
There’s limited evidence that fear of flying apps work, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t. It will depend on a range of factors, including what causes your fear, how you relate to apps and your commitment to self-directed improvement. Ultimately, apps can provide some support but we would recommend if your fear of flying is serious to look for structured support from a professional.
There is limited evidence that AI apps can help to reduce anxiety. In some cases, AI can increase anxiety (although, again, the evidence for that is relatively limited). AI can be a hugely useful tool for some things, but it’s not a therapist. Again, if you’re worried about your fear of flying, we would recommend you seek professional help.
You can find information on fear of flying on Fly Above Fear and across the internet. Always critically appraise the information you read (including any individual or organisation that claims they can cure you of your fear of flying). If you find the fear of flying is impacting your life, then seek professional help from a qualified medical professional or therapist.