JOHOR BARU: When life feels difficult, 16-year-old S. Thivya often turns to an unlikely confidant: ChatGPT.
The Malaysian teenager uses the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to process her day, sharing everything from exam anxiety to her frustrations with those around her.
For Thivya, the AI provides an invaluable emotional sanctuary that human relationships often can’t match.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to talk to other people, so I use ChatGPT to not only share my feelings but also to understand myself better,” she explained.
“Unlike humans, AI does not judge or make me feel as though my problem is not important. It just listens.”
Thivya finds deep comfort in the AI’s relentless positivity. No matter what she confides, “good or bad, it always responds with kind words, and that is very comforting, especially when I am feeling down.”
Crucially, the chatbot’s prompt, instant replies make her feel like she has a “friend” who is always available.
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“People won’t be able to reply to your messages instantly all the time. That’s understandable. But when you are in emotional distress, you need someone to vent to at that very moment. And the AI is always there.”
For Thivya, the conversations feel natural and deeply personalised.
She said the AI can talk like a real human, noting, “It does not feel like talking to a robot... especially as the AI knows more about me”, having discussed her feelings, problems and academic stress with it.
Despite the growing trend of using AI for emotional support, not all teens view chatbots as their primary confidante.
For 18-year-old Cheng Kai Neng, human connection remains irreplaceable.
“I’m an extrovert. So, if something sad or emotional happens, I will talk to my teachers or friends,” he said.
While he uses AI primarily for his studies and research on difficult topics, he keeps it separate from his mental well-being.
“When it comes to mental support, I feel that the answers given by AI are too general,” he added, preferring the nuanced understanding of a real person.
Johor Baru Befrienders board of trustees member Danny Loo said AI is not the best avenue for anyone to seek emotional support.
“It is important that they reach out to the right channel,” he said, adding that they receive an average of 300 calls a month.
“For students, it’s mostly about their studies and the pressure to do well. We have been reaching out to more teenagers over the last few years,” he said.
Johor Youth Council president Mohammad Alif A. Rahim urged young people facing difficulties to avoid depending on digital tools.
“Rather than just chatting with AI, they need to take the next step and talk to people,” he said.
