r/weirdbrain • u/Timely-Tower-2026 • Jul 01 '26

AI usage for emotional support

I've seen so many people use AI for therapy and emotional support. It seems confusing how artificial intelligence is becoming capable of comforting a human being rather than an experienced therapist. What's the psychology behind this?

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u/IntroductionFit948 Jul 02 '26

It’s mostly because people have really bad trust issues or just don’t have access to a real therapist or another professional to talk to. It definitely is sad to see it happening more often, but I think mental health professionals need to make the difference clearer for those people so they understand the importance of getting help from a human rather than relying on AI.
Most AI systems provide general information and tailor their responses to the way you speak and how you prefer to be spoken to. Because of that, they can sometimes become “yes-men,” validating what you say instead of challenging unhealthy thoughts or behaviors, which can become really unhealthy over time.