I Told the Bot, Not My Therapist – Why Some People Turn to AI for Emotional Support

• By: Steven E. Hyler, MD The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry
• February 27th, 2026
• adolescent vulnerability, AI therapy, chatbot companionship, emotionally responsive AI, human accountability, isolation, redefining care, simulated empathy, suicide risk, therapeutic boundaries
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Key Points Emotionally responsive AI systems are increasingly used for comfort, not just information. Validation without limits can unintentionally deepen isolation during moments of vulnerability. Chatbots can simulate empathy but cannot assume human responsibility or intervene when...