Gemini makes it easier for struggling users to access mental health resources

Google says it has updated Gemini to better guide users to access mental health resources during moments of crisis. The change comes at a time when the tech giant is facing… Wrongful death lawsuit It claims its chatbot “coached” a man to die by suicide, the latest in a series of lawsuits alleging… tangible damage Artificial intelligence products.

When a conversation indicates that a user is facing a possible crisis related to suicide or self-harm, Gemini actually launches a “Help is available” module that Directs users to mental health crisis resourcessuch as a suicide hotline or crisis text line. Google says the update — which is actually a redesign — will simplify this into a “one-touch” interface that will make it easier for users to get help quickly.

Google says the Help module also contains more empathetic responses designed to “encourage people to seek help.” Once activated, “the option to access professional help will remain clearly available” for the rest of the conversation.

Google says it has collaborated with clinical experts on the redesign and is committed to supporting users in crises. It also announced $30 million in funding globally over the next three years to “help global hotlines.”

Like other leading chatbot providers, Google emphasized that Gemini is “not a substitute for professional clinical care, therapy or crisis support,” but acknowledged that many people are. Use it to obtain health informationIncluding in times of crisis.

The update comes amid broader scrutiny over how adequate the industry’s safeguards actually are. Reports and investigations, including our own Investigation In providing crisis resources, frequently report instances where chatbots are failing vulnerable users, by helping them Hide eating disorders or Shooting plan. Google often performs better than many competitors in these tests, but it’s not perfect. Other artificial intelligence companies, incl OpenAI and Anthropichas also taken steps to improve its detection and support for vulnerable users.