Merrill, who studies the intersection of technology and health communication, was interviewed by Spectrum News to discuss safeguards over AI and health communications.

The interview points out that while Ohio no laws regulating AI in mental health, several states have already acted: Illinois bans AI from being marketed as therapy without licensed oversight, Nevada prohibits AI from presenting itself as a provider, and Utah requires AI chatbots to disclose their nonhuman nature and protect user data.

Merrill urges Ohio lawmakers to follow suit and “protect people over profit.” The assistant professor of health communication and technology in UC’s School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies has spent more than five years researching how digital tools affect well-being, motivated in part by his father’s death from cancer.

His recent study on AI companions found that while about a third of participants reported feeling happier after using them, Merrill cautions that the tools pose risks—including privacy concerns, unrealistic expectations of human relationships, and even dependency. To address these issues, he stresses the importance of “AI literacy,” so users understand what AI can and cannot do.

Merrill also argues that companies should build in safeguards, such as usage reminders and prompts to seek professional help. He supports temporary bans on AI therapy while research catches up, saying the tools should supplement, not replace, overburdened mental health systems.

Watch the interview and read the story.

Feature photo at top iStock photo: AleksandarGeorgiev.

Skip to main content

Rabat — Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) and Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University (PMU) announced an agreement establishing the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Chair for Artificial Intelligence Applications. 

A statement from AUI said Amine Bensaid, President of AUI, signed the agreement with his PMU counterpart Issa Al Ansari. 

The Chair, established within AUI, will conduct applied research in AI to develop solutions that address societal needs and promote innovation to support Moroccan talents in their fields.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions, with a focus on AI to contribute to the socio-economic development of both Morocco and Saudi Arabia, the statement added.

The initiative also seeks to help Morocco and Saudi Arabia boost their national priorities through AI as a key tool in advancing academic excellence.

Bensaid commented on the agreement, saying that the partnership will strengthen Al Akhawayn’s mission to “combine academic excellence with technological innovation.”

It will also help to master students’ skills in AI in order to serve humanity and protect citizens from risk. 

“By hosting this initiative, we also affirm the role of Al Akhawayn and Morocco as pioneering actors in this field in Africa and in the region.”

For his part, Al Ansari also expressed satisfaction with the new agreement, stating that the pact is in line with PU’s efforts to serve Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

This vision “places artificial intelligence at the heart of economic and social transformation,” he affirmed.

He also expressed his university’s commitment to working with Al Akhawayn University to help address tomorrow’s challenges and train the new generation of talents that are capable of shaping the future.

Al Akhawayn has been reiterating its commitment to continue to cooperate with other institutions in order to boost research as well as ethical AI use.

In April, AUI signed an agreement with the American University of Sharjah to promote collaboration in research and teaching, as well as to empower Moroccan and Emirati students and citizens to engage with AI tools while staying rooted in their cultural identity.

This is in line with Morocco’s ambition to enhance AI use in its own education sector.

In January, Secretary General of Education Younes Shimi outlined Morocco’s ambition and advocacy for integrating AI into education.

He also called for making this technology effective, adaptable, and accessible for the specific needs of Moroccans and for the rest of the Arab world.