The rise of AI therapy: How people are turning to ChatGPT for emotional support

With the growing accessibility of artificial intelligence, people are increasingly turning to ChatGPT for emotional support and guidance—sometimes even as an alternative to therapy. According to a Business Insider report, many individuals use AI for life coaching, unpacking personal dilemmas, or simply as a non-judgmental space to process their thoughts.

From Reddit forums to TikTok trends, users are sharing tips on how to engage with ChatGPT for emotional well-being. Some “voice journal” into the platform, while others tweak its settings to mimic a therapist.