Young Chinese are increasingly turning to AI for emotional support

The rise of AI-powered emotional support in China has gained significant attention, particularly through DeepSeek, a chatbot launched in January 2025. Young Chinese users are increasingly turning to this AI platform for mental health support and emotional guidance, marking a unique intersection of technology and psychological wellbeing in a society where mental health services remain limited and stigmatized.

The technology behind DeepSeek: DeepSeek operates as a generative AI tool similar to ChatGPT and Gemini, but with a distinctive feature that displays its “thought process” before delivering responses.

• The platform processes vast amounts of information to recognize patterns and predict responses
• Users can observe how the AI formulates its answers, adding transparency to the interaction
• The technology has demonstrated superior performance compared to other Chinese AI alternatives

User experiences and impact: DeepSeek has garnered praise for its empathetic responses and ability to provide emotional support during difficult times.

• Users report finding comfort in the AI’s carefully crafted responses, with some being moved to tears
• The platform has helped individuals process grief, anxiety, and various personal challenges
• Many users prefer DeepSeek’s responses to traditional counseling services, citing its ability to listen without judgment

Social context and demand: The emergence of AI counseling in China reflects broader societal challenges and limited access to mental health resources.

• Economic slowdown, high unemployment, and COVID-19 aftermath have contributed to rising mental health concerns
• Traditional counseling services remain expensive and scarce in China
• Cultural stigma around mental health treatment has made AI alternatives more appealing

Regulatory and privacy considerations: Despite its popularity, DeepSeek faces scrutiny and restrictions in various jurisdictions.

• South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia have implemented restrictions on government devices
• The platform must operate within China’s strict content control framework
• Politically sensitive topics are filtered out of conversations, raising concerns about censorship

Expert perspectives: Mental health professionals and academics have weighed in on the phenomenon with measured optimism.

• Experts acknowledge AI’s potential in providing initial emotional support
• Professionals stress that AI should not replace traditional therapy for serious mental health conditions
• Researchers note AI’s unique ability to make users feel heard without judgment

Broader implications: The rise of AI emotional support platforms like DeepSeek reflects deeper societal changes and challenges in addressing mental health needs.

• While the platform offers valuable support for many users, questions remain about data privacy and the long-term implications of AI-based emotional support
• The success of DeepSeek highlights both the potential and limitations of AI in mental health support
• The platform’s development represents a significant advancement in Chinese AI technology while operating within strict regulatory boundaries