The Soul’s Algorithm: Understanding Human Nature (Conversations with a Psychiatrist)
English summary of the latest episode of András' Hungarian podcast, 'Lélek Algoritmus – Ilyen az ember (avagy beszélgetések egy pszichiáterrel)' – 'The Soul’s Algorithm: The Human Condition (Conversations with a Psychiatrist).
Technology moves fast, and as artificial intelligence (AI) advances, we must ask: where do we let machines take over, and where do we insist on human presence? This was central to my discussion with Dr. Vasari Anna, a psychiatrist with 45 years of experience. We talked about self-diagnosis, how psychological jargon seeps into everyday speech, and the need for real human connection.
The dangers of self-diagnosis and internet-induced anxiety
One of the biggest concerns is how easily people misinterpret their own symptoms after searching online. With limitless information available, it’s tempting to find explanations for shifts in mood or behaviour. The problem is, the internet provides information without nuance.
Dr. Vasari described how patients arrive convinced they have a psychological disorder simply because an article’s description sounds familiar. Two key issues arise here:
- Lack of context – A list of symptoms without professional evaluation can lead to exaggerated concerns.
- Psychological labels becoming casual speech – Terms like ‘narcissist’ or ‘borderline’ are used loosely, often missing their real meaning.
While mental health awareness is important, over-identification can be harmful. Dr. Vasari pointed out that many people exhibit traits of various conditions, but that doesn’t mean they fit the diagnosis. If in doubt, see a professional instead of relying on ‘Dr. Google.’
The burden of overthinking: do we complicate life unnecessarily?
Another strong theme was modern society’s obsession with self-analysis. We are encouraged to examine every feeling, reflect on every mistake, and constantly ‘work on ourselves.’ But where does it lead?
Dr. Vasari posed a simple but revealing question: If you’ve spent years working on yourself, have you actually moved forward? Many people spiral into endless self-exploration, searching for problems that may not even exist.
She suggested that life’s challenges are often simpler than we assume—and so are their solutions. Instead of over-examining every thought and emotion, sometimes the best response is to step back and let things settle.
Human connection: why small interactions matter
We are social beings. A passing smile, a brief chat at the checkout, or a shared moment with a stranger—these small gestures matter more than we realise. Yet technology is increasingly interfering with them.
It’s common to see couples at dinner staring at their phones instead of each other, or parents distracted by screens while their children seek their attention.
Dr. Vasari described a painful example: a mother holding her child’s hand while crossing the street, fully absorbed in her phone. The child looks up, seeking connection, but gets nothing.
This raises a serious question: Are we living our lives, or just scrolling through them?
AI as a stand-in for human interaction: helpful or harmful?
AI-powered chatbots can now mimic human conversation with impressive accuracy. In some cases, people can’t even tell whether they’re speaking to a machine. But can AI truly replace human interaction, or does it create a false sense of connection?
There are situations where AI has value. Dr. Vasari acknowledged that in medical diagnostics—where emotions should not cloud judgment—AI could improve accuracy. Machines don’t suffer from biases or attachments, which can be an advantage.
In therapy, however, the story is different. She recalled a patient who, years after their sessions ended, told her that a single sentence she had said had changed their life. That kind of intuition and connection is something AI simply cannot replicate.
Can AI offer emotional support?
Dr. Vasari admitted that in crisis situations, AI might serve as a temporary lifeline. If someone is in distress at night with no human support available, an AI conversation could help. In extreme cases, it might even save lives. However, she was clear that AI should never be a substitute for real therapy.
The key issue is authenticity. AI can mimic empathy, but it doesn’t feel it. A therapist doesn’t just offer advice—they pick up on tone, body language, and shifts in emotion in real time. A machine, no matter how sophisticated, cannot do this.
Finding balance: where AI belongs—and where it doesn’t
Our conversation left us with a key question: Where is AI useful, and where must we draw the line?
Where AI might help:
- Medical diagnostics (where objectivity is crucial)
- Crisis helplines (as an immediate, temporary tool)
- Handling repetitive admin tasks
Where AI should not replace humans:
- Therapy and emotional support
- Personal relationships and social bonds
- Creative and intuitive decision-making
AI should complement human life, not replace what makes us human. As technology advances, we must ensure that real human connection remains at the centre.
The takeaway: being present in a distracted world
The strongest insight from our discussion? Presence. Whether resisting the urge to self-diagnose, avoiding endless self-analysis, or simply putting down our phones to engage with those around us, the message is clear: we must actively choose to be present.
Technology, including AI, can be a great tool—but it should never take the place of real relationships. As we move further into a digital world, let’s hold onto what truly defines us: our ability to connect, to empathise, and to be in the moment.
