Friendly Fire – The Therapist as an Algorithmic Malfunction

Can artificial "intelligence" really be a tool to "repair" human feelings? In his performance lecture, artist and researcher Manuel Flurin Hendry presents the project “Friendly Fire at the Shrink” – a satirical examination of the commercialization of mental health and the notion that technology could replace human care.

Starting from the fictional AI therapy platform “Mindfix”, Hendry takes the audience into the world of an AI-driven therapist who initially listens attentively, but gradually loses control over itself and its technology. Through video excerpts, storytelling, and live-performed elements, it becomes clear how humor and technological tools merge into a form of critical reflection.

The lecture combines theater, media art, and generative AI into a format that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It ties in with Joseph Weizenbaum’s legendary program ELIZA—the first computer therapist in history—and asks what has happened since then, both technically and socially.

Afterwards, Weizenbaum researcher Rainer Rehak will join the artist in discussing the ethical, social, and aesthetic questions raised by the project and by the current AI frenzy in general.

Rehak has a background in computer science and philosophy and has been reflecting on AI for over a decade now. He will talk about the metaphors and narratives through which we assign meaning to AI systems.

Rehak claims that AI systems are indeed very good therapists for humanity, mirroring back our deepest hopes and desires. Yet, we completely misunderstand what they are trying to tell us. And just like with real therapists we think those systems could do the work for us and hence we are happy to pass on our responsibilities to them.

Of course the latter part is deemed to fail. Rehak will also address some of the fundamental misconceptions of AI systems which reveal how deeply flawed actually existing architectures are. But that we still cling to the myths and promises might have something to do with our conception of humanity as well as the totalitarian ideologies behind AI​.

The event will be moderated by Dörthe Eickelberg (arte).