Talking to ChatGPT about anxiety, relationship problems and difficult personal decisions is becoming increasingly common, particularly among young people. What was once viewed as an unusual use of generative artificial intelligence is now emerging as one of the technology’s most popular applications.
Research cited by Harvard Business Review suggests emotional support and companionship are among the most frequent reasons people use generative AI, ranking ahead of activities such as managing personal life, finding purpose and developing healthy habits.
The trend comes as concerns about mental health continue to grow worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 billion people live with a mental health disorder or psychological problem.
In Spain, a 2025 Línea Directa study found that nine out of 10 people aged 16 to 19 use technology to seek health information, while nearly one in four Spaniards have turned to digital self-diagnosis as their first option. In Mexico, the AXA Mind Health Report found that 71 per cent of people use AI tools to seek mental health-related support.
Psychologists say the appeal is easy to understand. Mexican psychologist María Fernanda Cruz Urquiza said many people now turn to ChatGPT before making important decisions, particularly during relationship conflicts or break-ups.
She said the technology offers constant availability, immediate responses and the ability to speak without fear of judgement. Those features can be especially attractive to people experiencing anxiety.
Psychotherapist Cecilia Paredes Aldama said she has not seen patients replacing therapy with ChatGPT, but some use it to draft messages, prepare for difficult conversations or communicate more assertively.
The psychologists agree that AI can provide limited practical support. It may help users organise their thoughts, set priorities, plan their time or identify ways to establish boundaries.
However, Paredes warned that such assistance is superficial. AI may reduce the intensity of anxiety without addressing the underlying cause.
Cruz Urquiza said ChatGPT could serve as an affordable first resource for people who lack emotional coping strategies or cannot afford professional therapy.
The biggest concern, according to both experts, is that AI systems often respond in highly agreeable and validating ways. Paredes warned that constant reassurance could encourage users to believe they are always right, potentially reinforcing distorted interpretations of their relationships and circumstances.
Cruz Urquiza also raised concerns about excessive emotional validation, saying immediate comfort does not necessarily lead to lasting personal change.
The experts stressed that the relationship between a patient and therapist remains central to psychological treatment. Human connection can help people process shame, guilt and emotional pain in ways that technology cannot reproduce.
Their message is that AI can be a tool for organising thoughts or offering initial support, but it should not be treated as a replacement for professional care.
When emotional distress continues for a long time or begins affecting several areas of life, the psychologists recommend seeking help from a qualified mental health professional.
