ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, is making waves on social media for its unexpected new role: serving as an unofficial “therapist” to millions of Generation Z users. As Thai youth and young adults increasingly turn to virtual support for their mental health needs, experts and officials are raising both hope and concerns about the implications of using AI as a substitute for professional counseling—a trend reflected globally and gaining traction in local online communities.
The broader significance of this phenomenon extends well beyond viral TikTok trends. In March 2025 alone, an extraordinary 16.7 million TikTok posts discussed using ChatGPT as a therapist, according to recent news coverage (Fox5 Atlanta). This enormous footprint on social media reveals how rapidly AI-powered mental health support has penetrated popular consciousness among Gen Z, with the impacts and controversy reverberating from the United States to Thailand and other parts of Asia. For many young Thais, who face significant barriers to accessing mental health services due to stigma, cost, shortage of providers, or simple convenience, AI chatbots like ChatGPT are proving increasingly attractive as a first-line resource for emotional support, self-reflection, and even advice on stress management.
To truly understand why ChatGPT is being embraced as a “digital therapist,” it’s important to recognize the longstanding crisis in mental health care accessibility, especially among Thai adolescents and young adults. The Department of Mental Health in Thailand has repeatedly pointed out that nearly 1 in 5 Thai teenagers report symptoms of anxiety or depression, yet only a small fraction ever receive formal diagnosis or treatment (Bangkok Post). Stigma around seeking therapy remains acute in Thai culture; families may discourage seeking outside help, and even discussing mental health struggles can be taboo. As a result, many young people turn to the internet for anonymous, judgment-free support—making AI chatbots a logical next step in digital self-help.
The virality of ChatGPT’s “therapy” reveals both unmet needs and generational shifts. According to an MSN report (MSN/Fox News), Gen Z users across the globe use prompts like “Talk to me like a therapist” or “Help me understand my feelings” to get advice, emotional validation, or strategies for coping with relationship stress, academic pressures, and general mood swings. Local observations by teachers and youth advocates in Bangkok confirm that Thai high school and university students have embraced ChatGPT not only as a study assistant but as a confidential sounding board for personal issues, citing privacy and constant availability as major appeal factors.
Yet the trend comes with a growing chorus of expert warnings. Mental health professionals and clinical psychologists stress that while AI chatbots can offer helpful, empathetic conversations and even basic cognitive-behavioural techniques, they cannot replace the nuance, diagnostic skill, and evidence-based intervention provided by licensed practitioners. A spokesperson for the Department of Mental Health in Thailand told the Bangkok Post, “AI tools may provide useful emotional support in the short term, but they are not equipped to handle serious mental health crises or address underlying causes of distress. There is a risk that users may be misdiagnosed or even inadvertently reinforced in unhealthy thinking patterns.” This sentiment is echoed in international coverage and by various experts cited by Health.com.
A rapidly changing digital landscape makes this debate more urgent. ChatGPT, which leverages large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4o, can generate impressively human-like responses (Wikipedia: ChatGPT). Its conversational abilities have enabled it to take on increasingly sensitive and complex roles in human interaction. As a result, youth worldwide—particularly those in countries with underfunded mental health systems—are more likely to see AI as a legitimate form of support, especially for issues they may not feel comfortable discussing with adults or authority figures. In Thai urban contexts, where smartphone penetration is high and families often face significant generational gaps in emotional communication, this creates new opportunities, as well as new risks.
One Thai university researcher specializing in adolescent behaviour noted, “Gen Z sees technology as a natural extension of their social and emotional lives. For them, talking to a chatbot about feeling anxious, stressed, or lonely feels more comfortable than seeking out an adult or counselor.” However, she also cautioned that while AI may make conversations more accessible, it also opens the door to inappropriate advice, data privacy risks, and a false sense of security—especially if users come to equate chatbot conversations with genuine therapeutic progress.
Internationally, research papers published on PubMed and discussed in popular outlets support these mixed assessments. A systematic review published in 2024 identified both promising and problematic aspects of using AI mental health chatbots for youth: while some users reported reduced feelings of isolation, others experienced frustration or disappointment when the bots failed to understand context or recognize the severity of their problems (PubMed). None of these chatbots, including ChatGPT, are currently licensed as medical devices for mental health treatment—raising regulatory questions for Thai authorities, who are monitoring the trend but have yet to establish clear rules.
For Gen Z in Thailand, the balance of benefit and risk often comes down to access. The cost of private therapy remains prohibitive for many Thai families, and waitlists for government-subsidized care are long. Some school counselors in Bangkok have begun incorporating digital tools—both AI and traditional apps—into their wellness outreach, while warning students not to mistake these for genuine clinical intervention. The Ministry of Public Health has issued guidelines encouraging the use of digital self-help as a supplement, not a replacement, for professional care. Some leading Thai universities now offer digital mental health support as part of their wellness packages, viewing AI chatbots as the “front line” for triage rather than treatment.
Cultural attitudes also play a significant role. Historically, Thai families have relied on Buddhist values, community support, and spiritual practices to address emotional suffering. While these remain important, the urbanization and modernization of Thai society has increased pressures on youth, including academic competition, family expectations, and social media-driven comparison. In this environment, anonymous digital conversation can feel like a safer space. “Our students are under more pressure than ever before,” a guidance officer at a Bangkok private school said. “If AI can give them a moment of calm or help them put words to their problems, that’s a step in the right direction—but it’s not enough. Real healing requires real human connection.”
The Thai government and civil society have taken steps to address the mental health needs of young people, launching campaigns to reduce stigma, fund counseling programs, and integrate mental health discussions into school curricula. But the explosive popularity of ChatGPT as a “pocket therapist” illustrates that digital solutions—especially those driven by generative AI—will need to be part of the response, provided that privacy, safety, and clinical boundaries are clearly defined.
Looking ahead, the use of AI chatbots in mental health support will only grow, both in Thailand and globally. Technology companies are already marketing new “mental wellness” bots with localized language and cultural references designed for Southeast Asian audiences. Academics are calling for more research on the efficacy, harms, and ethical frameworks needed for AI therapy tools. There is speculation that future chatbots may integrate with existing public health programs, functioning as digital triage agents who refer high-risk users to in-person counseling, or providing support for rural youth who have no other mental health resources.
For Thai parents, educators, and young users alike, the best advice is to approach AI therapy tools with a critical mind and an open heart. If you’re using ChatGPT or similar chatbots to discuss your feelings, be aware of their limitations. Treat these tools as one layer of support, not a replacement for human connection or medical guidance. If you or someone you know is struggling with distress, low mood, or suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to contact a professional—in Thailand, the Department of Mental Health’s hotline (1323) is available 24 hours a day, and many universities offer counseling support for students. Remember: talking about mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness, and new technology can be an ally—but not a substitute—in your journey to wellness.
Sources:
- Fox5 Atlanta: Is your therapist AI? ChatGPT goes viral
- MSN/Fox News: Is your therapist AI? ChatGPT goes viral on social media
- Health.com: People Are Using ChatGPT as Therapy—Is It Safe?
- Wikipedia: ChatGPT
- Bangkok Post: Public concern grows as youth suicide rates rise
- PubMed: Use of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in Mental Health Support
- Teen Vogue: How Students are Using ChatGPT for Therapy, Breakups and More
- Newsweek: People Are Using ChatGPT for Therapy—but Is It a Good Idea?