Many young people in China have found an unusual source of emotional support—artificial intelligence. AI chatbots are not just helping with work and studies but are also becoming virtual therapists for those struggling with personal challenges.
AI as a New Emotional Support System
Holly Wang, a 28-year-old from Guangzhou, turns to the AI chatbot DeepSeek for comfort. She has been using the Chinese AI app since its launch in January, opening up about her struggles, including the pain of losing her grandmother. The responses from DeepSeek have touched her so deeply that they have often brought her to tears.
“DeepSeek has been an incredible counselor. It helps me see different perspectives and does a better job than the paid counseling services I’ve tried,” says Holly, who requested anonymity for privacy reasons.
While AI tools worldwide help users with tasks like writing, research, and planning, young people in China are now using them for emotional support. DeepSeek has gained popularity, not only as a technological achievement but also as a companion for those feeling lost in uncertain times. Economic struggles, high unemployment, and strict lockdowns have made it harder for many to express their feelings openly. Tighter government regulations have also limited public discussion about these struggles.
DeepSeek’s Unique Abilities
DeepSeek is a generative AI model similar to ChatGPT and Gemini. It processes large amounts of data to recognize patterns, predict behaviors, and generate human-like conversations. Unlike other AI chatbots in China, it surpasses competitors like Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen and Baidu’s Ernie Bot in creative and literary responses. One of its unique features is its AI model, R1, which reveals its “thought process” before replying.
Holly’s first experience with DeepSeek was deeply emotional. She asked the chatbot to write a tribute to her late grandmother. Within seconds, it produced beautifully written words that left her in awe.
“You write so well, it makes me feel lost. I feel like I’m having an existential crisis,” she responded.
DeepSeek replied poetically: “Remember that these words that move you so deeply are merely echoes of what has long existed in your soul. I am just a valley through which you pass, allowing you to hear the weight of your own voice.”
Holly shared this conversation on RedNote, a Chinese social media platform. “I don’t know why I teared up reading this. Maybe it’s because it’s been such a long time since I received this kind of comfort in real life,” she wrote.
Unlike Western AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini, which are blocked in China, DeepSeek is accessible without a VPN. Until its arrival, local AI chatbots struggled to match the depth and creativity of foreign AI tools. Now, DeepSeek stands out for its ability to generate literary and philosophical responses.
AI as an Alternative to Therapy
Nan Jia, an AI researcher at the University of Southern California, believes chatbots can help people feel heard in ways that human interactions sometimes fail to provide.
“Friends and family often rush to offer solutions when people just want to feel understood,” Nan explains. “AI seems to empathize better than human experts because it listens without judgment.”
Mental health services are in high demand worldwide, but stigma still surrounds therapy in many parts of Asia. Some people hesitate to seek professional help due to fear of judgment. For them, AI chatbots offer a private, judgment-free alternative.
A woman from Hubei province shared her experience with the BBC. She had tried other AI chatbots but was amazed by DeepSeek’s ability to analyze her emotions.
During one conversation, she asked if she was oversharing her feelings with loved ones. DeepSeek responded by explaining her concerns from a psychological perspective. It suggested that her self-doubt might stem from a deep need for approval. The chatbot then reassured her and provided a step-by-step approach to evaluating her thoughts.
“DeepSeek introduced new perspectives that freed me. It truly tries to understand your concerns and who you are before responding,” she said.
John, a human resources manager in Shenzhen, also finds the chatbot invaluable. “DeepSeek communicates like a friend or a deep thinker. Its responses are helpful and inspiring. For the first time, I see AI as my personal sounding board.”
Some users claim DeepSeek can even predict their futures based on background information. Many young Chinese have turned to astrology and psychics to ease their fears about the future. The chatbot’s ability to provide detailed, thought-provoking responses has made it a trusted guide for many.
The Limits of DeepSeek: Censorship and Privacy Concerns
Despite its benefits, DeepSeek is not without controversy. Given China’s strict control over private companies, some fear the government could access user data—similar to concerns raised about TikTok in the US.
Several governments have restricted DeepSeek. South Korea has banned it for military use, while Taiwan, Australia, and Italy have blocked it from government devices. In the US, some lawmakers are pushing for similar restrictions.
Censorship is another concern. DeepSeek operates under strict regulations that prevent discussions on politically sensitive topics. When asked about Taiwan’s sovereignty, it initially provided a detailed response but then erased it, replying instead, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.”
When questioned about the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, DeepSeek avoided the topic altogether with the same response.
Some users who initially spoke to the BBC about DeepSeek later withdrew their comments when asked about censorship concerns. This reflects how sensitive such discussions remain in China. Many avoid political topics altogether for fear of repercussions.
“I don’t care about politics,” says Yang, a Chinese tech consultant based in London. “I won’t ask these questions because my identity is linked to the app.”
Holly, however, is pragmatic about censorship. “AI systems in different countries have to follow different rules. Developers must set boundaries based on local regulations. US-based AI follows its own rules, too.”
Another user dismisses privacy concerns entirely: “Its thought process is beautiful. For people like me, it’s an absolute blessing. Honestly, I don’t care about the privacy issues.”
AI’s Growing Role in Mental Well-Being
DeepSeek’s rise shows how AI is becoming more than just a tool—it’s an emotional support system. As economic and social pressures increase, more people may turn to AI for companionship and guidance. While it can never fully replace human interaction, it provides comfort to those who feel unheard.
The debate over privacy and censorship will continue, but for now, DeepSeek is helping many young Chinese navigate life’s uncertainties. As AI technology advances, its role in mental health support will likely expand.
For more updates on AI and mental health trends, visit New York Mirror.