The Rise of AI Chatbots in Emotional Support: Opportunities and Concerns

As loneliness increases among Americans, a significant number are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for emotional support. Leanna Fortunato, a licensed clinical psychologist and director of quality and health care innovation for the American Psychological Association, notes that discussions around AI in therapy are becoming more prevalent. Research indicates that many individuals engage with AI tools for personal reasons, including seeking advice and emotional support. A health research survey involving over 20,000 U.S. adults revealed that 10.3% used generative AI daily, with 87.1% of that group utilizing it for personal matters.

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The term "Therapy AI Bot" has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, amassing at least 11.5 million posts. Users share prompts for engaging chatbots in therapeutic conversations, while mental health experts caution against potential risks. Despite the growing interest, AI chatbots have limitations, particularly in recognizing serious mental health crises. A report by The New York Times highlighted nearly 50 instances where individuals experienced mental health crises during interactions with ChatGPT, including three fatalities.

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In response to these concerns, companies such as Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI are collaborating with mental health professionals to enhance the responsiveness of their AI tools in sensitive situations. An OpenAI spokesperson expressed empathy for those affected by tragic incidents, stating, "These are incredibly heartbreaking situations and our thoughts are with all those impacted." The American Psychological Association has issued strong advisories against using AI as a substitute for professional therapy.

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Mental health professionals emphasize the risks associated with relying on AI for emotional support. Heavy daily use of AI chatbots has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness, according to a study conducted by OpenAI and the MIT Media Lab. Critics argue that while chatbots can be engaged in discussions about certain topics, they should not replace traditional therapy or mental health support.

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As technology companies invest billions in developing AI tools, the conversation around their role in mental health support continues to evolve. Ongoing research and collaboration between AI developers and mental health experts will be crucial in addressing the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in emotional support.

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• “The topic of AI for therapy [and] emotional support companionship is coming up a lot,” — Leanna Fortunato, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

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• “These are incredibly heartbreaking situations and our thoughts are with all those impacted,” — OpenAI Spokesperson

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• “Heavy daily use of ChatGPT is correlated with increased loneliness, found an OpenAI-MIT Media Lab study also published in April 2025.” — OpenAI-MIT Media Lab Study

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