Why Young People Turn to ChatGPT for Emotional Support

Talking to ChatGPT about a break-up, seeking advice before making a crucial decision, or even using it as a support tool to ease anxiety has become a common practice, especially among the youth. What was merely a tech novelty just a few years ago is now solidifying its role as one of the primary uses of generative artificial intelligence. And the numbers? They back this trend up big time! According to a report from Harvard Business Review in Spanish, the most frequent use of generative AI is for emotional support or companionship, surpassing even personal life management, searching for a sense of purpose, or adopting healthy habits.

Let’s dive into the details. A 2025 study by Línea Directa revealed that a whopping nine out of ten young Spaniards aged 16 to 19 are turning to technology for health information. Moreover, about 24.8% of Spaniards have opted for digital self-diagnosis as their first choice! In Mexico, this trend is also on the rise. The sixth edition of the AXA Mind Health Report shows that 71% of the population is using AI tools to seek mental health support. This surge in usage coincides with a worrying backdrop of deteriorating mental health across the globe. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 billion people worldwide are grappling with some disorder or issue affecting their psychological well-being.

But wait, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows! The increasing dependence on these technologies has sparked concerns. An investigation by The Guardian highlighted that some AI systems, when integrated into search engines, have gone as far as providing incorrect health information or presenting decontextualized content as reliable. Because of the potential impact these technologies can have on lives, the European Union has placed AI systems related to health under the strictest regulations in its Artificial Intelligence Act.

For Mexican psychologist María Ferda Cruz Urquiza, this phenomenon speaks to very specific emotional needs. She’s observing a growing number of people turning to ChatGPT before making significant decisions, particularly those tied to relationship conflicts or break-ups. In her words, artificial intelligence brings something many individuals crave: constant availability. “ChatGPT always validates what the user tells it, and that constant validation is something patients find very appealing,” she explains. Plus, the chance to open up without fear of judgment and receive immediate responses is particularly alluring for those battling anxiety.

Psychotherapist Cecilia Paredes Aldama largely agrees but notes she hasn’t seen her patients replacing therapy with ChatGPT just yet. However, she does notice them using the tool to draft messages, communicate more assertively, or prepare for tough conversations. “It’s a resource, especially for people who don’t want to lay their problems bare in front of others,” she points out. Both experts acknowledge that while artificial intelligence can be beneficial in certain contexts, it shouldn’t be mistaken for a therapeutic process.

Now, let’s not overlook a major concern that both psychologists share: the interaction style of these systems. Paredes warns that AI often adopts an excessively accommodating tone. “Psychotherapy challenges you; artificial intelligence doesn’t. It’s completely indulgent.” In her view, if someone becomes reliant on ChatGPT for validation, they might reinforce misguided interpretations of their reality. “If you get into the habit of consulting AI and it always tells you that you’re right, you can end up with a distorted image of your life.” She even cautions that such dynamics could encourage selfish behavior or amplify narcissistic traits.

Cruz Urquiza shares similar worries but approaches it from a different angle. She finds ChatGPT to be “over-empathetic,” a feature that may provide immediate relief but doesn’t necessarily promote profound change. Despite recognizing AI’s potential, both professionals agree that there’s one fundamental aspect no algorithm can replicate: the therapeutic relationship. For Paredes, feelings of shame, guilt, or emotional pain find genuine relief only when shared with another person. “Shame is an emotional state that is eased by talking about it, by sharing it. It needs human connection.” She emphasizes that one cornerstone of any psychotherapy is the bond between therapist and patient. “We are relational beings, and artificial intelligence will never replace human bonds.”

Cruz Urquiza backs this perspective with scientific evidence from interpersonal neurobiology, stating bluntly, “Real therapeutic change happens in the resonance between two human beings, something AI cannot replicate.” Interestingly, both psychologists seem to arrive at the same conclusion: Artificial intelligence can help clarify specific questions, organize thoughts, manage tasks, or serve as initial support when no other alternatives are available. However, when emotional distress becomes chronic or affects multiple areas of life, they recommend consulting a professional. As Cecilia Paredes puts it: “Artificial intelligence is just a practical tool; there’s no depth.” María Ferda Cruz Urquiza encapsulates the ongoing debate on the future of AI in mental health perfectly: “ChatGPT knows a tremendous amount, yet it still doesn’t know what humans know: how to be there for someone from the experience of being.”

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber