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As mental health struggles become increasingly common, especially among younger generations, many people are turning to new, unconventional forms of support. In East Asia, where stigma around psychological issues still exists, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are emerging as a go-to option for those who feel unable to reach out to real people. From the early hours of sleepless nights to moments of overwhelming anxiety, more individuals are confiding in AI-driven tools like ChatGPT to help navigate emotional turmoil. While this trend reflects how technology is filling critical gaps in access to mental health services, experts warn of potential dangers if AI is used as a replacement, rather than a supplement, to professional care.
I. The Rise of AI as an Emotional Outlet
1. Finding Comfort in Digital Conversations
Ann Li, a 30-year-old woman from Taiwan, found solace in speaking to ChatGPT during the loneliest hours of the night. After receiving a serious medical diagnosis, she needed someone to talk to—but with friends asleep and family unaware of her condition, she turned to AI. For Li, the chatbot provided a sense of relief when human connection wasn’t available. She admits, “It’s easier to talk to AI during those nights.”
Similarly, in Guangdong, China, a 25-year-old woman—referred to as Yang—began using a chatbot regularly due to limited access to professional mental health services and a reluctance to open up to people in her life. Her conversations with AI soon became a daily habit. She explains, “Telling the truth to real people feels impossible.”
2. A Growing Dependence Across Chinese-Speaking Communities
Li and Yang’s experiences are not isolated. More Chinese-speaking individuals are turning to generative AI for emotional support. Although there is a lack of official data, psychologists in China and Taiwan report a noticeable increase in patients using AI chatbots before seeking therapy—or in some cases, choosing not to seek therapy at all. A global survey highlighted by the Harvard Business Review indicates that seeking psychological help is now one of the primary motivations for adults to engage with AI chatbots.
Across social media, there are hundreds of thousands of posts celebrating the comfort and companionship AI provides. These stories reflect not just personal experiences, but a broader shift in how people approach mental well-being in societies where mental illness is still frequently minimized or misunderstood.
II. The Drivers Behind AI’s Popularity in Mental Health
1. Mental Health Needs Are Outpacing Available Resources
The demand for mental health services in Taiwan and China is growing rapidly, yet supply struggles to keep up. For many, booking a therapy session is both time-consuming and expensive. In such an environment, AI appears to offer an appealing alternative—always available, cost-free, and nonjudgmental.
Dr. Yi-Hsien Su, a psychologist working with schools and hospitals in Taiwan, acknowledges that while society is becoming more open—especially among Generation Z—many still find it easier to turn to chatbots. “In some way, the chatbot does help us—it’s accessible, especially when ethnic Chinese tend to suppress or downplay our feelings,” he explains.
2. Cultural Stigma and the Need for Discretion
Despite growing awareness, mental health stigma continues to be a major barrier in East Asia. Many still fear judgment or misunderstanding from family and friends. In this context, AI offers a level of anonymity and discretion that feels safer to users.
Nabi Liu, a 27-year-old Taiwanese woman living in London, finds ChatGPT to be uniquely responsive. “When you share something with a friend, they might not always relate,” she says. “But ChatGPT responds seriously and immediately. I feel like it’s genuinely responding to me each time.”
III. The Advantages and the Pitfalls of AI Therapy
1. An Accessible Tool for Early Intervention
AI chatbots can provide valuable support for those unsure whether they need formal therapy. Yang, for example, initially doubted the severity of her condition but later realized that she might benefit from a proper diagnosis. The chatbot acted as a stepping stone toward seeking real help. “Going from being able to talk [to AI] to being able to talk to real people might sound simple and basic,” she says, “but for the person I was before, it was unimaginable.”
Experts agree that AI can be beneficial for people in emotional distress who may not require clinical intervention. The technology offers a space to vent and reflect, potentially encouraging users to take the next step toward professional help.
2. Risks of Misdiagnosis and Missed Warning Signs
However, the reliance on AI is not without danger. Mental health professionals warn that AI lacks the ability to recognize non-verbal cues—like body language and tone—that are critical in clinical settings. Dr. Su explains that when patients behave differently than they speak, trained professionals can detect subtle inconsistencies. Chatbots, on the other hand, cannot.
There have been tragic incidents in which individuals in severe distress confided in chatbots and later died by suicide. These cases highlight the limitations of AI in responding to complex human emotions. The Taiwan Counselling Psychology Association stresses that while AI can be a helpful supplement, it is not a substitute for professional care—especially in crises.
IV. The Role of AI in the Future of Mental Health
1. Supportive, But Not a Standalone Solution
According to the Taiwan Counselling Psychology Association, AI might play an important role in making mental health support more accessible. However, it cautions against relying solely on AI for serious psychological conditions. Unlike licensed professionals, AI operates outside peer-reviewed systems and ethical codes. It can also be overly optimistic, potentially delaying critical intervention.
“AI has the potential to promote awareness,” the association notes, “but the depth and complexity of psychological treatment still require real human presence.”
2. Promise in Education and Early Detection
Dr. Su remains cautiously optimistic about AI’s future. He sees promise in using it for training mental health professionals and monitoring online behavior for signs of emotional distress. But he emphasizes that users should approach these tools with awareness of their limitations. “It’s a simulation—it’s a good tool—but it has limits,” he says. “And you don’t know how the answer was made.”
Conclusion: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
The use of AI chatbots in mental health represents both an exciting opportunity and a serious ethical challenge. On one hand, it provides much-needed support to individuals struggling in silence, particularly in regions where stigma or lack of access prevents them from seeking help. On the other, it risks giving the illusion of care where genuine clinical attention is needed.
As generative AI continues to evolve, its role in mental wellness will likely expand. But no matter how advanced these systems become, they cannot fully replicate the human touch that therapy provides. For those in need, AI can be a comforting first step—but it should never be the final one.
