WisCompanion: Integrating the Socratic Method with ChatGPT for Tailored Emotional Support
WisCompanion is an innovative conversational artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to offer personalized emotional support for older adults. By combining the Socratic method with ChatGPT’s advanced prompting capabilities, WisCompanion aims to address the cognitive and emotional needs of older users through thoughtful questioning and engagement.
The integration of a Socratic, ethical, and sensemaking AI framework with ChatGPT enables WisCompanion to deliver context-aware explanations, thereby promoting transparency and trust in AI interactions. This tailored approach also facilitates lifelong learning and fosters a deeper understanding of the user’s perspectives and experiences.

Enhancing User Satisfaction with Emotion Support
Evaluations of WisCompanion have demonstrated significant improvements in user satisfaction with emotion support. By incorporating Socratic questioning techniques into its conversational AI, WisCompanion creates a dynamic and multi-layered dialogue structure that enhances the quality of interactions between AI systems and older adults.
Furthermore, research has shown that the use of Socratic questioning by therapists can predict session-to-session symptom changes in cognitive therapy for depression. This highlights the effectiveness of questioning techniques in fostering meaningful conversations and promoting emotional well-being.
As older adults increasingly engage with technology, understanding their acceptance and use of new tools is crucial. Studies have identified potential barriers and benefits associated with aging and information technology use, emphasizing the importance of designing AI systems that cater to the unique needs of older populations.
Recent work has delved into the security risks of AI models like ChatGPT, emphasizing the need for robust safeguards in conversational interfaces. Additionally, research has focused on unraveling the landscape of large language models, providing insights into their capabilities and future directions.
Trust plays a vital role in the development of conversational interfaces, with researchers highlighting the importance of establishing trust between users and AI systems. Building trust through transparent and user-centric design is essential for fostering meaningful interactions and ensuring the ethical use of AI technologies.

Exploring the Future of AI and Conversational Interfaces
As the field of conversational AI continues to evolve, incorporating elements of the Socratic method can enhance the emotional support and engagement offered by AI platforms like WisCompanion. By prioritizing user needs and promoting trust, AI systems can create more empathetic and effective interactions with older adults.




















