×
Young Chinese are increasingly turning to AI for emotional support
Written by
Published on
Join our daily newsletter for breaking news, product launches and deals, research breakdowns, and other industry-leading AI coverage
Join Now

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
DeepSeek brought me to tears': How young Chinese find therapy in AI

Recent News

Machine learning “periodic table” accelerates AI discovery

MIT's systematic classification reveals mathematical connections across AI methods, enabling researchers to identify gaps and develop new algorithms that outperform existing approaches.

Oregon lawmakers crack down on AI-generated fake nudes

Oregon joins other states in expanding "revenge porn" laws to criminalize AI-generated fake explicit imagery, after law enforcement faced cases where clothed social media photos were manipulated into realistic-looking nudes without legal recourse.

Docker simplifies AI model deployment with new container workflow

Docker's new tools standardize AI model deployment by extending container principles to machine learning workflows, enabling developers to manage AI components with the same consistency and security as traditional applications.