I hear this a lot in my friend group that when they feel distressed or don’t know how to handle a difficult situation, they turn to ChatGPT. They type out their worries, get instant advice, and feel understood without fear of judgment. AI has become their default source of emotional support.
It makes me wonder why has opening up to another human become so hard that AI feels safer? Is it mainly because of practical barriers like the high cost of therapy and limited access, or have we slowly accepted that being truly seen, with all our vulnerabilities, is too risky in real relationships? Many people have had their struggles dismissed by friends or family. Society has become less patient and people are quick to judge. In this environment, a non-judgmental AI can seem like the only safe space.
Still, I wonder what we might be losing. Professional help keeps us accountable and offers insights that no AI response can replicate. Real human relationships, even imperfect ones, can offer genuine support and the kind of healing that only comes through mutual understanding.
It’s not about rejecting AI, but asking whether we are using it as a bridge towards better relationships, or as a permanent replacement that helps us avoid the difficult work of real conversations.
What about you? Have you ever found yourself telling AI something you’ve never said out loud to another person?
MBH/AB