Young people in China are increasingly turning to AI-driven platforms like DeepSeek, seeking emotional support that is often hard to find in traditional mental health resources. One user, Holly Wang, a 28-year-old from Guangzhou, shared her experiences with the chatbot, describing how its responses have elicited profound emotions as she navigated personal hardships, including the loss of her grandmother.
Launched earlier this year, DeepSeek has quickly gained popularity among those in need of emotional guidance. Young users, like Holly, appreciate the chatbot for providing insights that resonate on a personal level, surpassing experiences they’ve had with conventional counseling services. "DeepSeek has been such an amazing counsellor," Holly expressed, highlighting its ability to offer perspectives that brought her to tears—something she found lacking in other paid services.
The importance of these AI conversations has become more pronounced in the context of China's struggling economy, high unemployment rates, and the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns. Many young individuals are grappling with uncertainty about their futures in a climate where expressing grievances is often discouraged. DeepSeek, however, offers a unique avenue for young people to explore their feelings without fear of judgment.
DeepSeek distinguishes itself from other AI platforms, partly due to its innovative approach that allows users to follow its reasoning before delivering a response. This transparency creates a connection that many users feel fosters empathy and understanding. "I feel it really tries to understand your question and get to know you as a person," one user reflected after using the chatbot.
While AI responses have proven beneficial for many, experts caution that individuals with severe mental health issues should seek professional help rather than relying solely on AI interactions. The demand for accessible mental health services is high in China, where high-quality care often remains financially out of reach for many.
Despite the therapeutic potential of DeepSeek, it operates under the constraints of a heavily regulated internet in China. Some users have expressed concerns regarding censorship, especially as politically sensitive topics are often avoided by the chatbot. The government’s control over online discourse complicates the landscape for users seeking deeper conversations about their realities.
As the narrative around AI and mental health evolves, users like Holly see DeepSeek not just as technology, but as a lifeline in an age where emotional support can feel increasingly remote. “It is an absolute blessing to people like me,” one user claimed, illustrating the growing reliance on this uniquely humanizing technology amidst societal challenges.
