People are increasingly turning to AI for help before a therapist, a move experts regard as dangerous.
For many people facing loneliness, uncertainty or emotional distress, the first person they turn to may no longer be a friend, family member or counsellor — but an artificial intelligence chatbot.
The growing use of AI for personal conversations has raised questions about how technology is reshaping the way people seek comfort, advice and emotional support, particularly among younger users, the Independent on Sunday reports.
Danie van Loggerenberg, founder of the National Centre for Child Protection, says the organisation’s work with schools across South Africa has shown that many children are already relying on AI companions for guidance and reassurance.
He said 82% of children the organisation has interacted with admitted that they first, and sometimes only, turn to AI when seeking comfort and advice.
