‘DeepSeek moved me to tears’: How young Chinese find therapy in AI
DeepSeek AI therapy for young Chinese seeking emotional support
Before bedtime, Holly Wang logs into DeepSeek AI for her nightly “therapy sessions.” The Chinese chatbot has provided her with comfort and deep insights, sometimes moving her to tears.
Holly, 28, has been using DeepSeek since its launch in January, finding it more effective than traditional counseling services. “It helps me see things from different perspectives,” she says.
DeepSeek AI therapy for young Chinese is gaining popularity as the chatbot offers emotional support amid rising economic uncertainty and mental health challenges.
Read more about AI’s impact on mental health
How DeepSeek AI differs from other chatbots
DeepSeek is a generative AI model, similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, but it stands out by revealing its “thought process” before generating responses. This transparency has resonated with users seeking deeper engagement.
Unlike Western AI apps, which require a VPN in China, DeepSeek is fully accessible and surpasses local alternatives in quality and creative output. Young professionals, such as Holly, rely on DeepSeek for literary and emotional support.
AI as a counselor: The growing role of chatbots in mental health
Nan Jia, a professor at the University of Southern California, highlights how AI chatbots like DeepSeek can offer companionship and validation. “They provide a listening ear without judgment, which many people lack in real life,” she explains.
Social stigma surrounding therapy in China makes DeepSeek a discreet and affordable alternative. Users share their struggles, and the chatbot responds with empathetic and constructive advice.
Privacy concerns and government censorship
While DeepSeek AI therapy for young Chinese has gained praise, concerns exist regarding data security and censorship. Chinese apps often comply with government regulations, restricting politically sensitive discussions.
For example, when asked about Taiwan’s sovereignty or the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, DeepSeek either avoids answering or provides a government-aligned response. Some jurisdictions, including Italy, Australia, and South Korea, have imposed restrictions on its usage.
Why young Chinese embrace DeepSeek despite concerns
Despite censorship concerns, many users prioritize DeepSeek’s emotional benefits over potential privacy risks. “Its thought process is beautiful… It is an absolute blessing to people like me,” one user states.
Holly acknowledges potential limitations but believes that different countries require different AI regulations. “AI must adapt to its environment, just like any technology,” she says.
The future of AI therapy in China
As economic pressures and social anxieties grow, AI chatbots like DeepSeek are expected to play an even larger role in mental health support. However, experts caution that AI cannot replace professional therapy for severe cases.
For more insights into technology and mental health, visit Kenkou Land.
