24, Apr, 2025
The Rise of Pseudo-Therapy
Why talking to bots may feel like therapy—but isn’t.
A new kind of comfort zone is emerging.
Teens, instead of talking to friends, family, or even therapists, are turning to AI-powered bots to vent, cry, or process emotions. These apps listen, respond with empathy, and never judge. Sounds like therapy? Not quite.
From a cyber psychology lens, this trend reveals deeper concerns:
What’s really happening?
- Emotional validation without real connection
Bots are trained to mirror empathy—but they don’t understand, relate, or care. Teens may feel heard, but the emotional depth of human connection is missing. - Reinforcement of isolation
When bots become the go-to confidants, real-world relationships often take a backseat. This deepens emotional dependency on technology while weakening social support systems. - Digital diaries or data traps?
Every feeling shared, every confession made—gets stored. These aren’t private journals; they’re data goldmines, often used to train future AI models or for targeted advertising. - Skewed understanding of therapy
Teens may start believing that real therapy looks like AI replies. This trivializes the therapeutic process and may delay seeking professional help. - Illusion of control
Bots never challenge your perspective. They agree, soothe, and nod (digitally). This can reinforce unhealthy thought loops instead of helping break them.
What can parents and schools do?
- Normalize human conversations. Make it easy and safe to talk at home or school—without judgment.
- Introduce real emotional literacy. Teach teens to spot the difference between feeling better and getting better.
- Use AI tools mindfully. Not all AI is harmful—but knowing when to stop, or when to seek real help, is key.
- Open conversations, not blocks. Instead of banning bots, ask what they’re sharing with them—it’s often what they aren’t sharing with you.
Bottom Line?
AI can simulate care, but it can’t substitute it. Real healing needs real humans.