From break-ups to anxiety, more Europeans are turning to ChatGPT for emotional support. A 2025 study by Línea Directa found that 24.8% of Spaniards have used digital self-diagnosis as a first option, while 71% of Mexicans use AI for mental health support, according to the AXA Mind Health Report. This trend is particularly pronounced among young people, with nine out of ten Spaniards aged 16-19 seeking health information via technology.
The phenomenon is not limited to Spain. Across Europe, from Berlin to Paris, users are increasingly relying on generative AI for companionship and advice. A Harvard Business Review report highlights that emotional support is now the most common use of generative AI, ahead of life management or healthy habits.
Why ChatGPT Appeals
Mexican psychologist María Fernanda Cruz Urquiza notes that ChatGPT offers constant validation and availability, which is especially appealing for those with anxiety. “ChatGPT always validates what the user tells it, and that constant validation is something patients find very appealing,” she explains. Psychotherapist Cecilia Paredes Aldama adds that users often employ the tool to draft messages or prepare for difficult conversations, as it allows them to avoid laying bare their problems to others.
Both experts agree that AI can be a useful first resource, especially for those who cannot afford therapy. “ChatGPT is a low-cost alternative that I see as very helpful as a first resource,” says Cruz Urquiza. However, they stress that it is not a substitute for professional help.
The Risks of AI Validation
Paredes warns that AI’s overly accommodating tone can reinforce distorted self-perceptions. “Psychotherapy challenges you; artificial intelligence doesn’t. It’s completely indulgent,” she says. This dynamic could lead to a “very distorted picture of your life” and even amplify narcissistic traits. Cruz Urquiza describes ChatGPT as “over-empathetic,” providing immediate relief but not deep change.
The European Union has recognized these risks, including AI systems in health under the strictest requirements of its Artificial Intelligence Act. This regulatory framework aims to prevent the spread of incorrect health information, as highlighted by a The Guardian investigation.
The Irreplaceable Human Bond
Both psychologists emphasize that no algorithm can replicate the therapeutic relationship. “Shame is an emotional state that is eased by talking about it, by sharing it. It needs human connection,” says Paredes. Cruz Urquiza grounds this in interpersonal neurobiology: “Real therapeutic change happens in the resonance between two human beings, something AI cannot replicate.”
As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, the key is to use it as a tool, not a crutch. For those seeking deeper support, human connection remains essential. For more on how technology shapes relationships, read our piece on how users form romantic bonds with AI.
