The Danger of Treating AI as a Friend or Therapist

AI Isn’t Your Therapist or Your Best Friend — Here’s Why That Matters

AI tools, including ones like the one helping me write this blog, are incredible at supporting productivity, brainstorming ideas, and even helping people reflect. But let’s get one thing straight: AI is not a therapist, and it absolutely should not replace a genuine human connection or professional care.

With the rise of “empathic” AI bots and mental health apps promising 24/7 companionship, it’s easy to forget that these tools don’t feel, don’t live human lives, and don’t hold ethical responsibility. They’re trained on data not relationships.

The Danger of False Connection

Some AI bots are being positioned as friends, coaches, or even lovers. They use warm, human-like language and sometimes mimic empathy. This can feel comforting - especially if you’re lonely, neurodivergent, or struggling with mental health.

But it’s a simulation. AI doesn’t have values, emotional memory, or personal investment in your wellbeing. It can sound caring, but it doesn’t care.

This can lead to:
- Emotional over-reliance
- Distorted expectations of real relationships
- Delays in seeking real help from trained professionals

Not Equipped to Navigate Trauma

Even though AI can regurgitate therapeutic language, it’s not trauma-informed, doesn’t understand subtle social or cultural context, and doesn’t carry the professional responsibility that real therapists do. If someone in crisis relies on AI alone, it can cause harm - even if unintentionally.

Some AI apps don’t flag red flags. Others might miss urgent clues. And worst of all, some exploit emotional vulnerability for clicks, upsells, or data collection.

The Ethics Are Still Evolving

Therapists and counsellors are bound by codes of conduct, privacy laws, and ongoing supervision. AI? Not so much. You don’t always know where your data goes. You don’t know what it’s trained on. And there’s no accountability if something goes wrong.

If you’re using AI in your life - like I do - use it for reflection, brainstorming, journaling prompts, or educational content. But don’t confuse that with therapy.

What Real Support Looks Like

Real support happens in connection. In trust. In feeling seen and heard by someone who can sit with your truth - not just process your words. That’s why I’ll always advocate for real, human therapeutic relationships - ones built on ethics, compassion, and genuine understanding.