Generative AI & Mental Health
Conversations on companionship, care and ethics.
Join us for an intimate, fishbowl-style conversation exploring the psychological, emotional and societal implications of using generative AI tools like chatbots as companions or mental health aids.
As these technologies increasingly show up in spaces of vulnerability and care (see this article for example), we ask: what does it mean to form emotional connections with chatbots? What do these tools do to our understanding of support, intimacy and human connection? And how can we design and use them responsibly, without losing sight of ethical and social complexity?
Together with experts from psychology, AI development and policy, we want to create a space for collective reflection and dialogue, grounded in real-world perspectives and curiosity.
This event was organised by dedicated DAIEC members Pepijn Stoop, Katherine Elizabeth Bustos Rodas as well as DAIEC's co-founder Lilian de Jong. Do you have an idea for a DAIEC meetup? We'd love to explore it with you, so do reach out to us at the meetup or online.
📅 September 17th, 2025
🕖 Doors open 19:00, fishbowl 19:15 - 21:00
📍 Neude Library, room Podium → Neude 11, 3512AE Utrecht
🪑 Because of the intimate topic, we want to keep the numbers small, so reserve your spot if you want to come!
About the experts
Floortje Scheepers
Professor of Innovation in Mental Healthcare at UMC Utrecht and head of the psychiatry department. Floortje researches how innovation, including AI and Big Data, can improve mental healthcare. She takes a critical but curious view of AI in psychiatry, weighing both risks and opportunities.
Jannes Burger
Rijks-I trainee who previously worked at the Dutch Data Protection Authority, where they contributed to a report on the risks of AI chatbot apps as virtual friends and therapists. Jannes is passionate about the ethical challenges of AI and its impact on society.
Mourice Schuurmans
Founder of ObsessLess, an AI-powered app that makes affordable OCD care immediately available. Drawing from his own experience living with OCD, Mourice advocates for responsible, accessible AI solutions in mental health.
Support
We’re happy that Neude Library is sponsoring the location. They encourage reading promotion and reading pleasure, digital skills and democratic citizenship in Utrecht.
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Pictures during event
We'll take pictures during the event for promotional purposes. If you do not want to be recognisable on these, please let one of the organisers know or send an email to [email protected] with your request.