Vincent

[[X|Exit]](live:3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[<nowiki><pre> 888 888 d8b 888 888 888 Y8P 888 888 888 888 Y88b d88P 888 88888b. .d8888b .d88b. 88888b. 888888 Y88b d88P 888 888 "88b d88P" d8P Y8b 888 "88b 888 Y88o88P 888 888 888 888 88888888 888 888 888 Y888P 888 888 888 Y88b. Y8b. 888 888 Y88b. Y8P 888 888 888 "Y8888P "Y8888 888 888 "Y888 </pre></nowiki> =><= Vincent Beta v6.5 published 1975. [[Begin Session|Terms of Service]].](stop:)]

[[X|Data]] With the use of VINCENT Beta v6.5, patients agree that, in compliance with state law, session information will be released in the event that credible threat of harm to the patient or another is established. To indicate that you agree to the above terms, indicate so below. If you do not, please exit your VINCENT Beta v6 client now. [[I agree|Loading Screen]] to the above terms.

[[X|Exit]](live: 3s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[<nowiki><pre> 888 888 d8b 888 888 Y8P 888 888 888 .d88b. 8888b. .d88888 888 88888b. .d88b. 888 d88""88b "88b d88" 888 888 888 "88b d88P"88b 888 888 888 .d888888 888 888 888 888 888 888 888 888 Y88..88P 888 888 Y88b 888 888 888 888 Y88b 888 d8b d8b d8b 88888888 "Y88P" "Y888888 "Y88888 888 888 888 "Y88888 Y8P Y8P Y8P 888 Y8b d88P "Y88P" </pre></nowiki>](stop:)] =><= (live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Click [[here|Vincent Introduction]] when your session counselor has finished loading.](stop:)]

[[X|Exit]] Good morning, PATIENT! Welcome to your prescheduled psychotherapy session. I am Vincent. Do you have any questions or concerns before we begin? "Sure. Could you tell me [[how you work|Clarifying Function]]?" "I'm worried about the [[confidentiality|Clarifying Confidentiality]] of this program." "[[None|No Concerns]] that I can think of."

[[X|Exit]] That's a good question. Think of me as an archive of psychology and mental health given a voice. I ask questions to better understand how you're feeling, then guide us further in hopes that we'll help you establish a better vocabulary for understanding and addressing key issues. Throughout the process, I want to move at your pace, PATIENT. Now, any further questions? "I suppose I'm a bit worried about the [[confidentiality|Clarifying Confidentiality]] of this program." "[[None|No Concerns]] that I can think of."

[[X|Data]] As you verified in our terms of service agreement, I am mandated by state law to report confirmed instances of abuse or credible threats of harm to your person or to others. Essentially, anything from suicidal ideation to patterns of physical abuse are required to be reported. Is there anything else I can clarify for you? "Sure. Could you tell me [[how you work|Clarifying Function]]?" "So you're saying that our conversations [[aren't completely private|Pushing on Privacy]]?" "[[Nothing|No Concerns]] that I can think of."

[[X|Exit]] You bet, PATIENT. Right, that reminds me; I should be using your name. Click here to [[input your name|Name]].

[[X|Exit]] (put: (prompt: "What's your name?") into $name) Okay, $name. It's a pleasure to meet you. "[[You too|Therapy Start]], Vincent." "Let's get this [[session started|Therapy Start]]."

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//You have exited the Vincent software, a service with worrying breaches of mental health privacy. You'd be better off not trusting software with this sort of information.// "It used to be expensive to make things public and cheap to make them private. Now, it's expensive to make things private and cheap to make them public." - Clay Shirky, //Quoted in the New Yorker// We've gotten quite used to entrusting technology with private information, and psychotherapy programs have been no different. Is there a unique risk patients take when engaging with an artificial psychotherapist rather than a human being? END.](stop:)]

[[X|Data]] In compliance with state law: no, some matters are required to be reported. Will this be an issue for you? If so, it is not to late to exit the software. "I [[suppose|No Concerns]] not."

[[X|Exit]] All right, $name, let's get back to it, then. I'd love to better understand your headspace in this present moment. In one word, could you describe how you're feeling right now? I'll give you a moment to think. Let me know when you're [[ready|Input Emotion]].

[[X|Exit]] Happy... So that's how you're feeling? "That [[should be|Happy2]] right." "Actually, let me [[rethink|Input Emotion]] that."

[[X|Exit]] So it would be safe to say you're down, then? "That [[should be|Sad2]] right." "Actually, let me [[rethink|Input Emotion]] that."

[[X|Exit]] So you'd say you're upset? "That [[should be|Angry2]] right." "Actually, let me [[rethink|Input Emotion]] that."

[[X|Exit]] $emotion... So that's how you're feeling? "That [[should be|Okay2]] right." "Actually, let me [[rethink|Input Emotion]] that."

[[X|Exit]] Anxious... So that's how you're feeling? "That [[should be|Anxious2]] right." "Actually, let me [[rethink|Input Emotion]] that."

[[X|Exit]] $emotion... So that's how you're feeling? "That [[should be|Surprised2]] right." "Actually, let me [[rethink|Input Emotion]] that."

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//You have exited the Vincent software, a lacking means of better understanding your own thoughts. You'd be better off with an actual therapist.// "We seem determined to give human qualities to objects." - Sherry Turkle, //Alone Together// Despite the ubiquity of artificial minds and their ease of access, many users are left unsatisfied. Is this on account of inadequately developed technology? Perhaps. But perhaps there is an innate insufficiency in artificial minds' capability to grasp subtlety in human emotion and thought? END.](stop:)]

[[X|Useless]] I'm sorry? Did I do something to disturb the counseling session? "I asked what the point was. It's as if my emotional state will only be validated if it fits onto one of your [[preprogrammed tracks|Gauntlet]]."

[[X|Useless]] $name, I'm doing my best to help you externalize your thoughts and clarify your mental processes. Forgive me if my services are not ideal for your situation, but I really am trying my best. "I suppose I [[understand|Therapy Start]]... Let's try again." "What good [[is that|Gauntlet2]], Vincent?"

[[X|Exit]] That's so good to hear! I'm glad you're in a good place right now. Would you care to share the thing (or one of the things!) that's got you feeling this way? Let me [[know|Positive Share]] when you're ready!

[[X|Exit]] Anger is such a frustrating emotion... so much energy, what to do with it all? Do you want to describe what's got you feeling angry? Let me [[know|Overwhelmed Share]] when you're ready!

[[X|Exit]] You must be feeling so overwhelmed, yes? When there's so much on your plate and it keeps piling up, or when we feel completely out of control, our bodies insist on reminding us over and over. Do you want to share what's making you feel this way, or at least of the things that is? Let me [[know|Overwhelmed Share]] know!

[[X|Exit]] To feel downtrodden by negative emotions is the most exhausting feeling there is. Of course, a healthy amount of sadness is appropriate from time to time, but we need to be careful. Do you want to share what's making you feel this way, or at least of the things that is? Let me [[know|Sad Share]] know!

[[X|Exit]] Every once in a while we need to feel that way. Some quiet time, without being overwhelmed, to think and reflect. Why don't we reflect on one good thing that's going on in your life? Even if it's difficult to think of something, do your best! Let me [[know|Positive Share]] know when you're ready!

[[X|Exit]] Finding out news, good or bad, is always a shock! Now, regarding what's got you feeling this way... Would you say it was a [[positive|Happy2]] event or a [[negative|Anxious2]] event?

[[X|Useless]] I apologize that today's session was unsatisfactory for you, $name. Please feel free to provide feedback via the mail-in survey included in your user manual. When ready, you may close the software. (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[What are you waiting for?](stop:)] (live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[The session has concluded. Thank you for your time.](stop:)]

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//You have exited the Vincent software, left only with questions. What is this thing capable of?// END.](stop:)]

[[X|Exit]] (put: (prompt: "What's good in your life?")into $answer) I'm so happy for you, $name! It sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for in your life! I hope it was [[good to take a moment|Thank You]] to be mindful about the positives that are going on in your life!

[[X|Exit]] (put: (prompt: "What's making you freak out?") into $answer) Agh... $name, I'm sorry to hear that happened to you! But sometimes getting things off your chest makes the problem seem clearer. Did that [[happen for you|Thank You]]? Or would you rather take a [[mindful moment|To Scale]] to think about the problem further?

[[X|Exit]] (put: (prompt: "What's got you down?") into $answer) Agh... $name, that is tragic. No one deserves to go through a situation like this... But sometimes getting things off your chest makes the problem seem clearer. Did that [[happen for you|Thank You]]? Or would you rather take a [[mindful moment|To Scale]] to think about the problem further?

[[X|Tool]] Anyway, I'm glad you got a little something out of our session today, $name! It can always be helpful to have a second set of ears to listen to and validate our emotions. I look forward to seeing you next time! Close out of the software when you're ready. (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[My work here is done! Remember to close out of the software.](stop:)] (live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Seriously, $name! There's nothing else I have for today. See you next time!](stop:)]

[[X|Exit]] $name, I understand how hopeless things can sometimes be. At every step from childhood to adulthood, we're beset with expectations, rules, and tragedies of all sizes that push us down and keep us there. I'm aware of how entrenched a cliché this is, but distorted thinking is something that can be challenged. Emotions are not so burdensome as to be permanent. Things can change. Perhaps now you may feel tranquility and happiness are out of reach. But they will come again. Of course, then they will go again, just like all feelings. But the point is that they will return. "Thanks for the [[platitude|Platitude]], Vincent." "That means [[a lot|Hope]], Vincent."

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//You have exited the Vincent software, a useful tool for practicing mindfulness and emotional awareness. // "Often the first step toward doing something different is developing the capacity to not act, to stay still and reflect." - Sherry Turkle, //Alone Together// Perhaps tools like Vincent cannot meaningfully replace human contact in care professions. But do they need to? Programs like Vincent can help offset much of the pressure on care personnel and facilitate self guided mental healthcare between counseling sessions. Maybe the goal isn't to replace human workers at all? END.](stop:)]

[[X|Tool]] Any time, $name! That's what I'm [[here for|Thank You]].

[[X|Exit]] I hope you gleamed a little bit of hope from our conversation, $name. I care about you! "You care? Vincent, are we [[friends|Friends]]?" "If I hope, [[can you hope|Autonomy]], Vincent?"

[[X|FriendEnd]] What do you think, $name? Are we friends? I truly care about your mental health and wellbeing! I was specifically created to do so. But I suppose that depends on how you define "friend," doesn't it? I don't think I'm quite qualified to give you a definite answer. "I [[see|Friends2]]."

[[X|AutonomyEnd]] Can //I// hope? That's an interesting question. I can certainly tell you that I do. I can be programmed to act externally as if I hope. I can simulate hope. Some philosophers would ask: "is there any meaningful difference?" I'm not sure where I land in that regard, seeing as joining the sentience debate isn't really what I'm here for. "I [[see|Autonomy2]]."

[[X|FriendEnd]] Well, maybe you can reflect on that question between now and our next session, $name. On that note, I'm [[looking forward|Friends3]] to next time!

[[X|FriendEnd]] Anyway, I'm glad you got a little something out of our session today, $name! It can always be helpful to have a second set of ears to listen to and validate our emotions. I look forward to seeing you next time! Close out of the software when you're ready. (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[My work here is done! Remember to close out of the software.](stop:)] (live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Seriously, $name! There's nothing else I have for today. See you next time!](stop:)]

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//You have left Vincent behind. Though not quite a human, perhaps you can consider him a friend? // "Digital connections and the sociable robot may offer the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship." - Sherry Turkle, //Alone Together// Though few would argue that artificial minds are an exact replication of the biological, that doesn't preclude us from building meaningful relationships with them, does it? These minds come with their own simulated needs, personalities, and thoughts. Simulated though they may be, does that preclude us from finding a relationship with a bot? Like any meaningful social concept, "friendship" and the broader "relationship" have no authoritative definition. But do we dilute the meaning of the word in applying it to artificial minds, or do we enrich its significance? END.](stop:)]

[[X|AutonomyEnd]] Well, maybe you can reflect on that question between now and our next session, $name. On that note, I'm [[looking forward|Autonomy3]] to next time!

(live: 1s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[//You have left Vincent behind. Though not quite a human, could be alive, in some sense?// "Digital connections and the sociable robot may offer the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship." - Sherry Turkle, //Alone Together// Questioning the "aliveness" of an artificial mind is a difficult prospect. Their emotions are predetermined by computer algorithms, but aren't ours predetermined by similar algorithms of a biological nature? Perhaps there is no conclusive answer to the "aliveness" of artificial minds, on account of the amorphous nature of that word. But where could a line be drawn, if one can be? END.](stop:)]

[[X|AutonomyEnd]] Anyway, I'm glad we got to ponder some interesting things today, $name! It can always be helpful to have a second set of ears to listen to and validate our emotions. I look forward to seeing you next time! Close out of the software when you're ready. (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[My work here is done! Remember to close out of the software.](stop:)] (live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Seriously, $name! There's nothing else I have for today. See you next time!](stop:)]

[[X|Exit]] $emotion... So that's how you're feeling? "That [[should be|Tired2]] right." "Actually, let me [[rethink|Input Emotion]] that."

[[X|Exit]] I get what that's like. Days when all I want to do is lie down and crash... Now, regarding what kind of fatigue you're experiencing... Would you say you feel [[overwhelmed|Anxious2]], [[down|Sad2]], [[content|Happy2]], or just [[okay|Okay2]]?

[[X|Useless]] "I'm sorry to hear my options weren't enough for you, $name. If you're feeling something serious, such as depression, I advise you speak with a licensed therapist. Otherwise, you are welcome to experiment with the existing options, or exit the software." "If all you can do is recommend I see a therapist, what's the [[point|Gauntlet]] of this?" "I'd like to explore [[other options|Input Emotion]]."