AI Therapy in China: Young Adults Find Comfort in DeepSeek's Conversations**

DeepSeek, an AI chatbot in China, is helping young adults like Holly Wang navigate their emotional struggles and personal challenges, offering a unique blend of empathy and understanding that many feel is lacking in traditional counseling.**

In a society where mental health support can be hard to come by, a growing number of young Chinese are turning to artificial intelligence for emotional solace. Among them is 28-year-old Holly Wang, who utilizes the AI app DeepSeek for nightly therapy sessions. Launched in January, DeepSeek offers a distinctive experience that has resonated deeply with users, providing responses that evoke emotional reactions.

Wang describes the app as an exceptional counselor, stating it offers insights and perspectives that surpass traditional therapy options she has encountered. The application taps into a broader trend in China where young adults seek solace in AI due to economic uncertainties and societal pressures.

An emerging generative AI technology, DeepSeek competes directly with international counterparts such as OpenAI's ChatGPT but has distinctly connected with its Chinese audience by displaying its internal thought processes leading up to responses. During her first interaction, Holly engaged DeepSeek to compose a tribute to her late grandmother, an experience that left her emotionally touched by the AI's eloquence and depth.

Proponents, such as Nan Jia, an academic exploring AI's role in emotional support, argue that AI can provide a listening ear in ways that human relationships often fall short, particularly as mental health struggles become increasingly prevalent in the wake of economic strains and the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young users report feeling understood and supported, noting that previous experiences with other AI services ended in disappointment.

Despite its rising popularity, DeepSeek is not without controversy. Access to Western AI apps is severely restricted in China, pushing users towards homegrown alternatives, with DeepSeek emerging as a surprising pioneer. Nevertheless, concerns linger regarding the potential misuse of user data and the app’s compliance with China's strict content regulations, particularly surrounding sensitive political matters.

DeepSeek has sparked discussions on mental health resources in China, where professional services are limited and often perceived as stigmatizing. Supporters emphasize that while chatbots offer a valuable resource for many, individuals with severe mental health conditions should still seek professional help.

As the demand for emotional support rises, AI technologies like DeepSeek may continue to play a pivotal role in transforming how young adults address their mental health challenges, ultimately filling gaps left by traditional methods.