The Rise of AI Therapy: Young Chinese Turn to DeepSeek for Emotional Support

In the wake of economic challenges and mental health struggles, young people in China are finding comfort in the AI chatbot DeepSeek. Unlike traditional therapy, users report feeling heard and understood by the app, showcasing a growing reliance on technology in navigating emotional turmoil. However, concerns about censorship and data privacy loom, revealing the complexities of AI in a tightly controlled environment.

Young people in China are increasingly finding solace in AI-driven platforms such as DeepSeek, reflecting a broader trend of seeking emotional support from technology amid challenging societal conditions. Holly Wang, a 28-year-old user, reveals her reliance on DeepSeek for therapeutic sessions that resonate deeply, even moving her to tears. She finds the responses more insightful than those from conventional paid therapy options.

With a sluggish economy, high unemployment rates, and the aftereffects of Covid lockdowns contributing to a climate of disillusionment, many young Chinese are looking for alternative outlets for their frustrations. Unlike Western AI apps like ChatGPT, which are blocked in China, DeepSeek presents a unique approach by allowing users to see its reasoning process, thus enhancing the user experience.

Holly’s initial interaction with DeepSeek involved crafting a tribute to her late grandmother, leading to an unexpectedly profound exchange that left her feeling comforted. Not unique to her experience, others have echoed similar sentiments, including a user from Hubei province who felt a deep emotional connection and a sense of understanding with the bot's responses.

Experts suggest that while AI may not replace skilled human counselors, chatbots like DeepSeek can fulfill a crucial role in providing emotional validation. Some users reflect on how traditional relationships often fall short of offering the empathetic listening they seek, thereby filling a significant gap.

However, the rapid adoption of AI therapy invites scrutiny over the underlying risks. Concerns regarding data accessibility and censorship in China pose significant questions about the implications of relying on such technology. Several nations, including South Korea and Australia, are responding with restrictions on DeepSeek due to fears of compromising security or privacy.

Despite these concerns, many young users, including Holly, remain focused on the therapeutic benefits that DeepSeek offers, often downplaying the potential risks. For them, the immediate emotional support provided by the app is an essential resource in navigating life's complexities, acting as a sounding board amid a climate of uncertainty.