Starting the Conversation: Exploring the Meaning, Scope and Contributions of AI and Its Implications for African Psychology

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57157/pins2025Vol67iss1a6812

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, African Psychology, Mental Health in Africa, Therapy, Learning, Ethics.

Abstract

This commentary aims to open up a critical debate on the meaning, scope, and contributions of artificial intelligence (AI) with special reference to its implications for African Psychology (AP). The paper sees the potential for collaboration between AI technologies, particularly generative AI and the continued development and evolution of the emerging field of African psychology. This conversation hopes to inspire the endurance of critical discussion on the importance of AI in offering new pathways for enhancing low-cost mental health services, bridging language barriers, fostering cross-cultural understanding and improving research, particularly here in continental Africa. Ethical considerations are also explored vis-à-vis the currently unstoppable influx of AI technologies in the various ramifications of national health systems, and the economy.

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Author Biographies

James Munnik, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal

Psychology Lecturer / Academic Coordinator 

Department of Psychology

School of Applied Human Sciences

University of KwaZulu-Natal 

Augustine Nwoye, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Professor Emeritus 

Department of Psychology

School of Applied Human Sciences 

University of KwaZulu-Natal

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Published

2025-10-13

How to Cite

Munnik, J., & Nwoye, A. (2025). Starting the Conversation: Exploring the Meaning, Scope and Contributions of AI and Its Implications for African Psychology. PINS-Psychology in Society, 67(1), 88–98. https://doi.org/10.57157/pins2025Vol67iss1a6812

Issue

Vol. 67 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 James Munnik, Augustine Nwoye

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