Many people now tell AI things they hide from others.
A chatbot is a computer program that talks by text.
Some users like it because replies come fast.
They may also feel less fear of judgment. (mental.jmir.org)
A recent study gives one clear example.
In the U.S., about one in five young people used it.
They used a chatbot for mental health advice.
Most said the advice was somewhat helpful or better.
Many also told no one about this use. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
This can help with small, daily problems.
For example, a student may feel stress before a test.
The chat can suggest breathing, rest, or kind self-talk.
Self-talk means the words you say to yourself.
But AI is not a doctor or close friend.
Health experts give a warning.
These tools were not built for full mental care.
Many were not tested for it, either.
In a crisis, people need human help, not only a chat. (who.int)










