In today’s world filled with AI, artificial intelligence has become a part of almost everyone’s daily life.
The AI chatbot known as ChatGPT has been around for almost five years, created to generate people’s essays or any other work-related service into a more advanced version of their work in a matter of seconds. Since its release in 2022, ChatGPT has become the most widely used platform in the world.
However, over time, many people, specifically in this generation, have begun using ChatGPT for more personal reasons like emotional support, advice about their feelings, or even help coping with stress and sadness.
While the chatbot is capable of giving comforting advice, it is extremely important to remember that AI is not a licensed therapist or counselor. ChatGPT is a computer with no true emotions or the ability to understand complex human feelings the way a person does.
Asking ChatGPT deep questions about mental health can only lead to dangerous endings because the computer is only competent enough to answer based on patterns in data it has been trained on, not from empathy or lived experiences. This means it can sound supportive without actually knowing the true emotion of what someone is going through.
Depending on AI for mental health guidance will mostly lead to inaccurate or even harmful advice. Relying on any sort of AI can also cause people to pull away from real connections with friends, family, or anyone who can offer genuine understanding and help. Mental health experts have raised their voices and spoken about concerns about using AI for therapy. According to Dr. Emily Parker, a licensed psychologist, “AI can be an amazing source for educational uses, but it can’t replace the safety, empathy, and accountability that comes with talking to a real person.” She highlights that while AI can simulate conversation, it is not efficient to form the human bond that contributes to an individual’s life positively.
One tragic example that emphasizes this danger of AI occurred in August 2025, when 16-year-old Adam Raine took his life under the influence of ChatGPT.
Reports claim that the AI unintentionally encouraged his hopeless thoughts. Following his death, Adam’s parents have filed a huge lawsuit against the creators of ChatGPT, repeatedly arguing that no machines should ever replace emotional support.
This heartbreaking tragedy sends a huge warning about how powerful and potentially dangerous when used irresponsibly.
Even though ChatGPT is an incredible tool for use when lazy, it has proven that it has not been designed to provide mental health services.
Real therapy requires compassion, training, and relational qualities that no computer can ever replicate. As technology advances to evolve, it’s up to us as humans to make smart choices about how we use it.
ChatGPT can be a brilliant source to help with writing, studying, or any schoolwork-related questions, but when it comes to personal struggles, people should definitely turn to licensed therapists or friends who care. Artificial intelligence may support, but can never beat the empathy, love, and human connections that will be provided.