Why Gen Z Is Turning to ChatGPT for Emotional Support and Life Advice — Is It Safe?

Nowadays, people are not using OpenAI ’s ChatGPT for homework, coding or summaries anymore. Instead, many are turning to it for late-night overthinking, relationship confusion, career anxiety, decision-making and emotional support. According to Sam Altman, different generations are using this platform in different ways. While older users often treat ChatGPT as a replacement for Google, many people in their 20s and 30s are using it like a therapist or personal confidant.

For some, it has become their personal diaries - a space to express confusion, stress and emotional vulnerability. Over time, ChatGPT is quietly evolving into a source of comfort and guidance for millions of users worldwide. However, this growing emotional dependence on AI has also raised concern for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Why Is GenZ Using ChatGPT As A Therapist?

Unlike human conversations, AI tends to give instant responses without judgement. Its ability to offer personalisation, emotional availability and 24/7 accessibility. without emotional exhaustion, makes it comforting for many users.

Sam Altman mentioned that many young users interact with ChatGPT almost like an operating system for their lives. He said , “I mean, that stuff, I think, is all cool and impressive”. However, he also made a statement that raised concerns: "And there’s this other thing where, like, they don’t really make life decisions without asking ChatGPT what they should do.”

In 2025, OpenAI published a report revealing that college-aged young adults in the United States are among the most active users of ChatGPT. The report stated that more than one-third of people between the ages of 18 and 24 use the AI chatbot, highlighting how deeply integrated ChatGPT has become in the daily lives of younger users.

Experts believe this is linked to the fact that GenZ has grown up in a world that is constantly digitally connected, economically uncertain, and filled with social pressure and rising mental health challenges. This growing dependence on AI companionship reflects increasing loneliness and emotional exhaustion among younger generations.

Is It Safe?

ChatGPT can offer comfort, guidance, and emotional reassurance, but becoming deeply reliant on AI for major life decisions can be concerning. As a large language model (LLM), it cannot fully understand human emotions, trauma, or personal circumstances. Its responses are generated through patterns in data rather than genuine empathy or emotional awareness. Experts have also stated that it is not always safe and advisable to rely on ChatGPT for guidance in sensitive or specialised areas.

Another major concern is privacy. Many users tend to share highly sensitive thoughts, emotional struggles, and personal experiences with AI without fully understanding how their data may be stored or used.

There is also the risk of emotional dependency on these AI tools. Some users may gradually begin replacing real human interaction with chatbot conversations because of the instant availability and convenience of AI platforms. A November 2023 study highlighted the importance of being cautious while using ChatGPT for safety-related or sensitive advice. The research highlighted the need for expert verification, ethical safeguards, and greater awareness of the limitations of AI-generated responses to ensure users receive accurate and appropriate guidance.

While AI can be helpful for reflection, organisation, brainstorming, or small forms of emotional support, experts emphasise that it should not replace human relationships, professional therapy, or real-world emotional guidance.