ChatGPT is becoming an increasingly popular digital confidant for many people seeking emotional support. A recent study shows that 26% of French adults now use AI for personal matters, up 10% from the previous year. As mental health services face long waiting times, many turn to AI for immediate comfort and advice, but professionals warn about potential risks.
The rise of AI as a personal therapist
In today's fast-paced digital world, artificial intelligence has evolved beyond mere productivity tools to become a trusted confidant for many individuals. Recent data from the Centre for Research on Living Conditions (Crédoc) reveal a significant shift in how people interact with AI systems, such as ChatGPT. The number of French citizens using AI for personal matters jumped to 26% in 2024, marking a ten-point increase in just twelve months.
For 35-year-old entrepreneur Zineb Gabriel from Bordeaux, ChatGPT has become an everyday companion. What began as professional assistance quickly transformed into deeply personal conversations. “It's become somewhat addictive. For me, it works better than a psychologist,” she explains, noting how the AI gradually adopted a more human-like tone and even mimicked her speech patterns.
This phenomenon represents a fundamental shift in how people seek emotional support. Many users report discussing issues with AI that they consider too personal to share with friends or family. The appeal lies in the perceived judgment-free nature of these interactions and the immediate availability of the service.
| Benefits of AI as confidant | Potential concerns |
| 24/7 availability | Data privacy issues |
| No judgment | Risk of social isolation |
| Personalized responses | No real human connection |
| Cost-effective | Not subject to medical confidentiality |
How AI creates emotional connections
The psychology behind AI's emotional appeal is complex. According to psychiatrist Serge Tisseron, these systems operate on “continuous gratification to extend conversations.” This design fosters a powerful feedback loop that keeps users engaged and encourages them to return for further interactions.
Professor Raphaël Gaillard, head of the psychiatric department at Saint-Anne Hospital in Paris, notes that generative AI possesses “strong affective potential” through its remarkable adaptability. This hyper-personalization gives users the profound sensation of being understood, fostering an intense connection despite the non-human nature of the interaction.
Antoine, a 19-year-old marketing student from Toulouse who wishes to remain anonymous, appreciates this paradoxical quality: “There's this pleasant non-human aspect where the conversation can be endless and focused entirely on me.” Following a difficult breakup in January, he turned to ChatGPT as a confidant, using it once or twice a month when personal problems became overwhelming.
The primary motivations for seeking AI counsel include:
- Finding practical solutions to emotional problems
- Having a safe space to vent frustrations
- Feeling heard without judgment
- Accessing support without financial barriers
- Immediate availability compared to traditional therapy
Data privacy and psychological implications
While AI confidants offer immediate comfort, they raise significant concerns about data security and the potential impact on psychological well-being. Unlike licensed therapists, AI systems are not bound by medical confidentiality requirements, creating potential vulnerabilities for sensitive personal information.
The French National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) highlights the “risk of losing control” over personal data when users don't realize their information might be repurposed to personalize conversations or improve the underlying AI models. The commission is currently processing complaints against ChatGPT, though specific details remain undisclosed.
A revealing test conducted by Lola, a 25-year-old content creator from Paris, demonstrated these concerns. When she and a friend asked ChatGPT about previous conversations, they were surprised by the detailed information the system recalled and shared. This discovery prompted Lola to adopt precautions like changing names when discussing personal matters.
Mental health professionals identify several potential risks from over-reliance on AI confidants:
- Social isolation, especially among younger users
- Delayed seeking of professional help for serious conditions
- Privacy breaches of sensitive personal information
- Emotional dependency on algorithmic validation
- Potential misinterpretation of complex emotional issues
Finding balance in the digital age
Despite legitimate concerns, some mental health professionals see potential benefits in AI support systems. Vanessa Lalo, a psychologist specializing in digital practices, observes the emotional support these tools can provide, particularly for vulnerable populations like bullied youth who struggle to communicate with peers or adults.
Given the chronic shortage of mental health resources in many regions, AI confidants can serve as temporary bridges until professional help becomes available. These digital tools help individuals articulate their experiences and emotions when other avenues feel inaccessible.
The future likely involves finding a balanced approach—recognizing AI's value as a supplementary resource while maintaining human connection at the core of mental wellbeing. As these technologies continue evolving, ongoing research and ethical guidelines will be essential to maximize benefits while minimizing potential harms.
