Forum: Real healing happens between people, not with AI programs
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I caught myself ranting to ChatGPT the other day in class, hoping it would reassure me. Then I looked around the classroom – everyone had the same app open. Some even gave it nicknames. It struck me how something meant for studying is quietly becoming our emotional crutch.
This raises an important question: Can artificial intelligence (AI) truly support our mental health? Chatbots such as Talk2Us.ai or Mindline.sg promise judgment-free listening and instant coping strategies.
They are accessible, convenient and anonymous, and offer instant responses, which make them tempting when we feel uncomfortable sharing our feelings. But confiding in AI can feel like talking to a friend who always says yes, is comforting yet not always helpful.
Human therapists, by contrast, know when to pause, challenge or simply hold space. AI lacks this discernment. For someone struggling with distorted thoughts, a chatbot may even reinforce unhealthy patterns instead of correcting them.
This does not mean we should stop using AI, but rather that we should use it intentionally. It can support us through journaling prompts, mood tracking or coping exercises, but it cannot replace human connection.
Its strength lies in simulating empathy, yet real healing happens between people, not with programs. Perhaps the rise of AI in mental health is a reminder that what we truly seek is simple: to be heard, understood and met with compassion.
Nur Tiara Delylah Suzaine, 22
Year 3 university student
