Artificial intelligence is becoming more than just a tool for answering questions, writing emails or completing assignments.
For some people, it has become a place to share personal concerns, seek relationship advice and talk about their mental health.
With instant responses, round-the-clock availability and no appointment required, AI tools such as ChatGPT offer a level of convenience that traditional mental health services cannot always provide.
But as more people turn to AI for emotional support, questions are emerging about whether AI can truly replace human connection and professional care.
While AI chatbots can offer emotional reassurance and personal advice, they are not qualified therapists and cannot provide the professional assessment, diagnosis or treatment offered by trained psychologists.
A 2026 national survey conducted for Beyond Blue found that 16 per cent of Australians had used generative AI for mental health support and advice, while seven per cent reported using it instead of seeking professional help.
The survey, which involved more than 5,000 Australian adults, also found that half had recently experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression.
While AI may be available all the time to offer advice and reassurance, it cannot replace the understanding and human connection that come from speaking to another person. After all, being able to respond is not the same as truly understanding someone.
Unlike traditional counselling, AI can be accessed from almost anywhere, often without paying a fee or waiting for an appointment.
And for people who struggle to open up to others, talking to AI may feel less intimidating than speaking to another person.
A 2026 study published in JMIR Mental Health examined the experiences of 276 members of the public who had used AI for mental health support.
The researchers found that 70.3 per cent of respondents were attracted by the technology’s constant availability, while 38 per cent said they found it easier to talk to AI than to another person.
Another 33 per cent identified affordability as a reason for using the technology.
Personal concerns were the most common topic discussed, with 81.9 per cent of respondents using AI to talk about problems in their lives.
However, the researchers noted that general-purpose AI such as ChatGPT were not specifically designed or regulated to provide mental health treatment.
For some users, the ability to share personal thoughts without worrying about judgment may be just as important as the advice they receive.
Why people are turning to AI
For 22-year-old student Kelly Miller, ChatGPT has become more than just a tool for university assignments.
She first started using AI for personal advice after experiencing problems with her friends.
“I didn’t really know who to talk to, so I just typed everything into ChatGPT to see what it would say,” she said.
Since then, Miller has regularly turned to AI when she feels overwhelmed or needs someone to talk to.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m bothering my friends when I keep talking about the same problem. But with ChatGPT, I can ask anything without feeling judged,” she said.
Although she finds the technology helpful, Miller acknowledges its limitations.
“Sometimes it feels like it’s just telling me what I want to hear, even when I might be wrong,” she said.
While she appreciates having somewhere to share her thoughts, Miller does not believe AI could completely replace professional support.
“I think it’s good when you need someone to talk to, but for something serious, I’d rather speak to an actual person,” she said.
Her experience raises questions about how much people should rely on AI for emotional support.
Can AI really replace a psychologist?
According to psychologist Peter Elland, AI may provide emotional reassurance, but relying on it too heavily could have serious consequences.
“People might feel more comfortable talking to AI because they don’t have to worry about being judged. It’s available whenever they need it,” he said.
However, Elland warned that AI may reinforce unhealthy thoughts rather than challenge them.
“The problem is that AI can sometimes tell people what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. If someone is already struggling emotionally, that kind of reassurance could make things worse,” he said.
Elland also raised concerns about people using AI as a substitute for professional treatment, particularly when dealing with serious mental health conditions.
“AI cannot properly assess someone’s mental health or recognise every warning sign. Someone might think they’re getting the help they need when they require professional support,” he said.
Despite these risks, Elland believes AI could still be useful when used appropriately.
“There’s nothing wrong with using it to organise your thoughts or reflect on your feelings. But it shouldn’t replace talking to people or seeking professional help when you need it,” he said.
While AI may be available all the time to offer advice and reassurance, it cannot replace the understanding and human connection that come from speaking to another person. After all, being able to respond is not the same as truly understanding someone.
Seeking support? If this article has raised any issues for you, or if you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Genyvra Caecillia
Genyvra Caecillia is a Journalism and Broadcast Media student at Edith Cowan University. Passionate about news, politics, and storytelling, she enjoys producing meaningful stories that inform, engage, and connect communities.
