Psychologists say AI era needs more talk less tech

Speakers at University of Karachi discuss dialogue, AI ethics and future of mental health

IV Report

KARACHI: Wonder, expression, and open dialogue — not just data and diagnostics — must drive the future of psychology as AI and social change reshape mental health, speakers said at the inauguration of the two-day Psychology Congress 2026 at the University of Karachi on Wednesday.

“Conversation is not merely a medium of expressing ideas but an important means of discovering new knowledge, meanings, and intellectual horizons,” said Dr Duane Rousselle, Associate Dean Research at Aga Khan University and a Canadian sociological theorist and Lacanian psychoanalyst.

Addressing the inaugural session at KU’s Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium, Dr Rousselle argued that uncertainty and “unexpected discoveries” during dialogue are where new research often begins. He cited the example of psychoanalysis in Pakistan, saying the field’s lack of strong institutional roots here is itself “a significant academic opportunity” to form new intellectual perspectives.

He warned against mistaking determination for rigidity. “The true demand of knowledge and intellectual endeavor is that human beings should develop the capacity not to escape from uncertainty and wonder, but to understand them and engage with them in a meaningful way,” he said.

The congress theme “Human Behavior in a Changing World: Insights for Mind, Society, and Technology” set the tone for discussions on AI, Gen Z, and global mental health challenges.

Joining online, Prof Dr Amanda Clinton, Senior Director of the Office of International Affairs at the American Psychological Association, discussed aligning psychological research with local realities and authentic data. She said the Global Psychology Alliance, formed in 2019, had expanded during Covid-19 to produce white papers and guidance on mental health, climate change, democracy, gender identity, and AI.

“Ten principles formulated regarding the relationship between artificial intelligence and psychology also provide guidance to experts for the responsible use of AI in research, clinical practice, and applied fields,” Dr Clinton noted.

Prof Dr Farah Iqbal, Chairperson of KU’s Department of Psychology and congress convener, said the event provides a key platform to understand human behavior amid technological disruption. She pointed to Gen Z and Gen Alpha growing up with social media and AI, which bring opportunities for education and connectivity, but also “serious challenges such as cyberbullying, mental stress, unrealistic social comparisons, excessive screen use, and misinformation.”

Prof Dr Anila Amber Malik from the KU Department of Psychology said psychological care models must evolve due to rising demand and limited resources. “Artificial intelligence and digital technology are rapidly influencing human behavior and interpersonal relationships, so it is crucial to understand not only their positive uses but also their potential risks,” she said.

Speakers agreed that behavioral sciences must now account for rapid technological shifts. Prof Malik noted that global crises, climate change, political instability and armed conflicts are also reshaping human psychology, pushing the discipline into a “transitional phase” where future care will demand both scholarly competence and “profound empathy.”

KU’s Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Prof Dr Samina Saeed said universities and academic conferences remain vital for promoting research, collaboration and new thinking. She observed that technology and globalisation have changed how the new generation thinks, learns and connects, creating fresh challenges around responsible technology use, mental well-being and meaningful relationships.

Prof Dr Qudsia Tariq delivered the vote of thanks, while Prof Dr Farrukh Z Ahmed also addressed the ceremony.

This report is based on press releases and photographs issued by the Public Relations Department, University of Karachi.