AI-powered eyes-open meditation apps are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience, promising mindfulness on the go. However, experts warn these virtual tools may not match the effectiveness of human guidance—potentially doing more harm than good when misused.

Meditation, when practised correctly, offers numerous benefits such as stress reduction, improved self-awareness, and better emotional regulation. Eyes-open meditation, recently championed by celebrity figures like Gwyneth Paltrow, involves maintaining a soft, open gaze while staying mentally present. When practised under the right circumstances, it fosters a heightened connection with one’s surroundings.

Yet leading meditation experts caution that improper practice, especially without professional supervision, poses risks. Bhikkhu Samadhikusala, a Buddhist monk, explains that meditation requires structured repetition to cultivate positive emotional or cognitive states. Without the right guidance, beginners may experience heightened self-criticism, distress, or even hypersensitivity to their environment.

Despite their innovative charm, AI apps promoting eyes-open meditation often suggest practising anywhere—on a bus or in a meeting, for example. This advice clashes with traditional approaches that emphasise quiet, distraction-free spaces for beginners. Meditation in busy, overstimulating environments can lead to dissociation or aversion, achieving the opposite of mindfulness.

Furthermore, questions linger over the involvement of meditation experts in creating these apps. The app Moments of Space, for instance, draws on teachings from Tibetan Buddhist traditions but acknowledges no formal partnerships with experts, leaving doubts about its scientific and spiritual validity.

Ultimately, meditation apps must balance AI’s accessibility with expert input to avoid leading users into negative mental states. Properly developed tools have the potential to make mindfulness more inclusive, but they must adhere to proven methods. For now, the guidance of a trained expert remains key to reaping the full benefits of meditation with minimal psychological risks.

Source: The Conversation