Psychologists May Think They Understand AI, Even If They Only Know How to Use It

In the work of psychologists, artificial intelligence has rapidly become more common: it is used for transcribing sessions, analyzing client data, and even drafting treatment plans. However, a commentary published in the new issue of AI & SOCIETY warns of the 'competence paradox': effective use of a tool can create a misleading feeling that the professional also understands how the system works.

According to the author, the greatest risk AI poses to psychology is not that machines are technically superior to humans, but that competence is confused with usability. When AI produces smooth summaries or credible suggestions, the user may conclude that they are based on 'expert' reasoning, even though there is a statistical model behind it, whose logic and limitations remain unclear.

The article builds its argument as a literature-based commentary and also relies on recent observations from related fields about how people overestimate their understanding of a technological system when its use feels easy and the results seem reasonable.

According to the author, the competence paradox distorts professional judgment and undermines responsibility: if AI is relied upon like a 'black box,' it becomes more difficult to assess when its results are unreliable and who is ultimately responsible for decisions in client care. Therefore, the author emphasizes that psychologists must learn at least the key principles of how AI systems generate their responses and where their limits lie, so they can be used ethically and safely.

Source: The competence paradox: when psychologists overestimate their understanding of Artificial Intelligence, AI & SOCIETY.