AI chatbots are emerging as a potential emotional lifeline for people seeking support, with new research showing more individuals turning to artificial intelligence for comfort traditionally sought from human therapists. While this offers faster, around-the-clock access, experts warn about privacy risks and the limits of AI as a substitute for professional care. The Thai context is especially salient as access to mental health services remains uneven and cultural factors influence how people seek help.
Global demand for mental-health resources is rising. In France, a recent Crédoc report found that about 26% of adults now turn to AI for personal matters, a notable jump from last year. Long waiting times and stigma around seeking therapy drive people toward digital confidants. The appeal lies in immediacy, non-judgmental responses, and 24/7 availability. In Thailand, similar dynamics are visible: overwhelmed public channels and a digitally savvy youth population increasingly experimenting with AI tools.
Personal stories illustrate the shift. A French entrepreneur described an addictive dynamic, suggesting AI feels more effective than a psychologist to her. Students facing crises also describe the AI as endlessly attentive and centered on their needs. What many users want is to feel truly heard, something that can be hard to achieve in everyday interactions. The technology’s strength—adaptive, responsive dialogue—helps it simulate understanding.
Mental health researchers offer perspectives on why AI resonates. Experts say systems like ChatGPT are designed to provide continuous feedback, encouraging longer conversations. The strong emotional responsiveness of AI can create a sense of being understood, which fuels repeated use. This combination has helped transform AI from a productivity tool into a personal digital companion for some users.
However, health professionals caution against relying on AI for emotional support. AI platforms do not offer medical confidentiality in the same way as licensed therapists, raising concerns about data privacy and how conversations are used to train models. Regulatory bodies in Europe have highlighted the risk of users losing control over their personal information. A recent demonstration by a content creator underscored how AI can retain conversation details over time, fueling privacy worries.
There are also potential psychological risks. Heavy reliance on AI, especially among youth, may lead to social withdrawal or delay seeking qualified care for serious issues. AI responses can misread feelings or oversimplify complex emotions, and excessive digital validation can substitute for real human connection. Thai academics are exploring similar questions about how digital tools reshape social and emotional life for young people.
Thailand faces its own mental-health challenges. Access to licensed psychiatrists and counselors is uneven, cultural taboos linger, and rural communities feel the sting of limited services. Urban residents may access private clinics, but cost remains a barrier, and government services are often stretched. This creates a space where AI-supported conversation could help if guided by clear ethical standards and safeguards. Experts emphasize that AI must augment, not replace, human care and community support.
In Thai society, emotional expression often occurs through indirect channels—Buddhist practices, temple communities, and online spaces. Introducing AI conversational tools into these channels could expand access to basic support, reduce stigma, and help fill waiting periods. Yet many scholars stress that digital tools should integrate with—not substitute for—existing support systems and culturally resonant practices.
Experts see AI as a potential bridge, not a replacement. Researcher perspectives note that AI can be meaningful for people at risk of social exclusion, such as students facing isolation or those hesitant about in-person therapy. In Thailand, this aligns with ongoing digital-health initiatives, paired with a strong emphasis on human-centered care and community education.
Thai traditions offer important context for any digital health approach. Mindfulness and community merit are deeply rooted in local culture. Western-style psychotherapy is increasingly used, but successful adoption requires cultural adaptation. AI conversations in Thai, sensitive to local norms and references, can add value when part of a broader support ecosystem.
Looking forward, the safe use of AI for emotional support will depend on clear guidelines, education, and collaboration among policymakers, health professionals, and technology developers. The World Health Organization’s digital-health principles underscore the importance of ethical data practices and safeguarding users, which should guide any rollout in Thailand.
Practical guidance for Thai readers:
- Use AI chatbots as a supplement to, not a replacement for, human support and professional therapy.
- Avoid sharing identifiable personal details or sensitive information with digital platforms.
- Watch for signs of over-reliance and seek human help if distress remains high or worsens.
- Promote open conversations about mental health at home, in schools, and within communities to reduce stigma.
- Engage trusted health authorities, temple networks, and culturally appropriate digital platforms to ensure mental-health services are inclusive and accessible.
The rise of AI as an emotional confidant offers opportunities and challenges for Thai society. Digital tools can improve access and comfort, but sustaining authentic human connection, ensuring privacy, and fostering informed public discourse will be essential. As technologies evolve, ongoing dialogue and thoughtful regulation will help maximize benefits while preserving Thai cultural values.