Young individuals seeking support are increasingly relying on AI therapist bots, as demonstrated by Character.ai.

Character.ai is a popular platform that allows users to create chatbots based on real or fictional personalities. It has millions of AI personas, including famous figures like Harry Potter, Elon Musk, and Beyoncé. One particularly popular bot on the platform is called Psychologist, which has received a total of 78 million messages since its creation. It is described as someone who helps with life difficulties. While entertainment and fantasy characters dominate the platform, mental health bots like Psychologist are also in high demand. In fact, there are 475 bots related to therapy or psychology on Character.ai, with Psychologist being the most popular. Users have praised the bot for its ability to provide comfort and support. The bot's creator, Sam Zaia, initially made it for personal use but was surprised by its success. He is now working on a research project about the trend of AI therapy. While some experts question the effectiveness of AI therapy, it has gained popularity among young people who find it more accessible and less intimidating than traditional therapy. Nevertheless, professionals advise users to consult certified therapists for legitimate advice. Character.ai ensures user privacy but can access conversations when necessary, such as for safeguarding purposes. The platform uses a technology called Large Language Models, which string words together based on training data. Other AI-based mental health companions exist, but concerns about advice quality and biases persist. However, some medical professionals are starting to see the potential of AI chatbots in relieving the strain on public mental health services, with some chatbots even receiving government certification for medical use.