The Ghost in the Machine: The Effects of AI on Mental Health and Violence Risk

A critical concept advanced by communications theorist Marshall McLuhan in the 1960s was the idea that technologies that communicate with us change us. Today, AI has ushered in what is being referred to as the “Cognitive Revolution,” and it is bringing with it significant and concerning behavioral changes. AI—like most emerging technologies—holds the potential for both great good and adverse consequences that may result in harm. This program is oriented toward behavioral health professionals to explore some of the ways that AI may enhance behavioral risks, including AI addiction and dependence, cognitive atrophy, suicide risk, and targeted violence.

Instructor, Steve Crimando, MA, CTM, DRCC, is the Director of Training for the New Jersey Department of Human Services-Division of Mental Health and Addiction Service-Disaster and Terrorism Branch. Steve is a Certified Threat Manager (CTM) with the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and a Certified Master Trainer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) program.