The rise of AI therapy in China has taken many by surprise, as young adults are now turning to chatbots like DeepSeek for emotional support. Following the loss of her grandmother, 28-year-old Holly Wang began using DeepSeek for therapy sessions and found its responses deeply comforting. “It has helped me look at things from different perspectives,” she explains.
This trend reflects a broader disillusionment among China's youth amidst economic struggles, high unemployment, and the restrictions of the Communist Party. With major AI players like OpenAI and Google blocked, DeepSeek has gained favor as it impresses users with its thought process before delivering responses.
Users have shared experiences of crying in response to the app's poetic insights and supportive advice. While it offers a new form of emotional connection, experts caution against relying solely on AI for serious mental health issues, advising that trained professionals should be consulted for deeper problems.
However, concerns about censorship loom, as sensitive political topics remain off the table, a reflection of the government's grasp over social media. Despite this, many users, like Holly, accept the constraints, reveling in the comfort offered by their AI companions.
This trend reflects a broader disillusionment among China's youth amidst economic struggles, high unemployment, and the restrictions of the Communist Party. With major AI players like OpenAI and Google blocked, DeepSeek has gained favor as it impresses users with its thought process before delivering responses.
Users have shared experiences of crying in response to the app's poetic insights and supportive advice. While it offers a new form of emotional connection, experts caution against relying solely on AI for serious mental health issues, advising that trained professionals should be consulted for deeper problems.
However, concerns about censorship loom, as sensitive political topics remain off the table, a reflection of the government's grasp over social media. Despite this, many users, like Holly, accept the constraints, reveling in the comfort offered by their AI companions.
