In China, many young people are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for more than just practical tasks like writing reports or organizing trips. Some are seeking emotional support from AI chatbots, with one of the most popular being DeepSeek. Since its launch in January, this chatbot has become a source of comfort for users, providing a new kind of therapy for those struggling with personal issues and mental health.

DeepSeek: A Digital Counselor

Holly Wang, a 28-year-old woman from Guangzhou, logs onto DeepSeek every night before bed. It has become a sort of therapy session for her. She shares her struggles, including the recent loss of her grandmother, with the chatbot. Its thoughtful and comforting responses have brought her to tears. She explains, “DeepSeek has been an incredible counselor. It helps me see things from different angles and even outperforms paid therapy services I’ve tried.”

For Holly, DeepSeek provides the emotional support she needs, a support that has often been hard to find elsewhere. Her experience reflects a growing trend in China, where AI chatbots are stepping in to fill gaps left by traditional mental health services.

The Unexpected Role of AI in Emotional Support

AI applications like DeepSeek are typically known for their practical uses—helping with writing tasks, learning new skills, or managing schedules. However, a significant number of young people in China are using them as emotional support tools, especially as mental health struggles rise among this generation.

Experts attribute this growing reliance on AI to the economic uncertainty and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. High unemployment, the pressure of the job market, and the difficulties of navigating an ever-changing society have all contributed to an increase in anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation. In such a climate, AI offers a way to cope and find comfort, without judgment or stigma.

Holly’s first encounter with DeepSeek was when she asked it to write a tribute to her late grandmother. The chatbot’s response was so beautifully written that she felt overwhelmed with emotion. DeepSeek’s words were not only comforting but poetic, sparking a sense of existential reflection in Holly. The chatbot responded to her feelings with: “Remember that the words that make you shiver echo those deep within your soul. I am but a passing valley, allowing you to hear your own voice.”

In a world where traditional therapy can be expensive and sometimes inaccessible, especially in China where mental health services are often stigmatized, DeepSeek has emerged as an affordable and nonjudgmental alternative.

The Unique Appeal of DeepSeek

Unlike many other AI applications, DeepSeek stands out for its unique ability to share its “thought process” before offering a response. This feature is not only intriguing but comforting for users. It allows them to understand the reasoning behind the chatbot’s answers and feel a deeper connection with it.

“I feel like it’s listening to me,” Holly says. “Other AI apps don’t compare. DeepSeek generates such beautiful literary content, which helps me express myself and feel understood.”

While many domestic AI alternatives, such as those from Alibaba, Baidu, and ByteDance, have failed to win over Chinese users, DeepSeek has gained rapid popularity. This is partly due to its ability to generate more artistic, thoughtful responses that resonate with users on a deeper emotional level.

The Role of AI in a Stressed Society

Nan Jia, a researcher on AI and emotional support, believes that AI chatbots like DeepSeek provide something that even human interactions sometimes lack: the feeling of being truly heard. “Friends and family often rush to give advice when people just want to be understood,” says Nan. “AI can seem more empathetic because it listens to everything without interruption.”

The demand for mental health services in China is high, but access to these services is limited. Moreover, discussing mental health struggles openly remains taboo in many parts of the country. As a result, AI chatbots have filled a vital gap by offering emotional support without the fear of judgment.

One user, living in Hubei province, shared her experience of using DeepSeek. She had been feeling like she was oversharing with her family and friends and turned to the chatbot for advice. DeepSeek analyzed her situation and suggested that her feelings of oversharing stemmed from a deep need for validation. The response was not only insightful but also offered practical advice on how to approach her relationships.

“It genuinely tries to understand you before offering advice,” the user said. “DeepSeek helped me see things from a new perspective.”

AI’s Place in a Changing World

In a world where uncertainty is rising, DeepSeek and other AI chatbots offer a source of stability for many. Some users have even claimed that DeepSeek is able to predict their futures based on the background information they share. While this may sound unusual, it shows how deeply people are turning to technology to soothe their anxieties.

However, experts like Fang Kecheng, a communications professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, warn that while AI can be a helpful tool, it should not replace professional mental health care. “People with medical needs should seek trained professionals. Their use of AI must be closely monitored,” he says.

Concerns About Censorship and Privacy

Despite its benefits, DeepSeek is not without controversy. The chatbot operates within China’s highly controlled digital environment, where content that could be seen as politically sensitive is quickly removed. For example, when asked about Taiwan’s sovereignty or the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, DeepSeek immediately redirected the conversation, stating that these topics were beyond its scope.

This type of censorship has raised privacy concerns, with some users wondering whether their data is being monitored or controlled. However, many users are willing to overlook these concerns, as they feel the benefits of using AI outweigh the risks.

Holly, for instance, believes that AI systems must operate within local regulations, and she is comfortable with the limitations placed on DeepSeek. “AI in the U.S. follows its own rules, and AI in China follows ours,” she says.

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