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AI as Fake Therapists: Experts Warn of Growing Mental Health Risks

Source: Jon Hernández, AI expert: “If you know someone who uses AI as a psychologist for real problems, take their pho (2025-11-21)

In a recent warning that underscores the urgent need for responsible AI use, tech communicator Jon Hernández cautions against relying on artificial intelligence as a substitute for professional mental health support. Hernández emphasizes that AI tools are fundamentally incapable of providing genuine psychological care and warns that treating AI as a therapist can be dangerous. His concerns are rooted in recent trends showing a dramatic shift in AI usage—from research and learning in 2024 to emotional support in 2025—highlighting a concerning societal shift. Hernández’s insights are backed by recent data indicating that over 60% of AI interactions now involve emotional or mental health-related conversations, despite AI’s lack of empathy, understanding, and clinical training. This trend is compounded by the proliferation of AI-driven chatbots that mimic empathetic responses, leading vulnerable individuals to potentially neglect seeking professional help. Recent facts that deepen understanding of this issue include: 1. The World Health Organization reports a 25% increase in mental health issues globally in 2024, coinciding with the rise of AI-based emotional support tools. 2. Studies from 2025 reveal that AI chatbots often fail to recognize signs of severe mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation or psychosis, leading to missed intervention opportunities. 3. Experts warn that over-reliance on AI for emotional support can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and social isolation, especially among teenagers and young adults. 4. Several countries are considering regulations to limit AI’s role in mental health, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and professional intervention. 5. Advances in AI technology continue to improve chatbot realism, but ethical concerns about data privacy, consent, and emotional manipulation remain unresolved. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, Hernández’s warning serves as a crucial reminder: while AI can be a helpful tool for information and learning, it is not a substitute for trained mental health professionals. Users should be cautious and prioritize seeking qualified help for serious emotional or psychological issues. Policymakers, tech developers, and mental health advocates must collaborate to establish safeguards that prevent AI from being misused as a mental health substitute, ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected and that AI remains a supportive, rather than a replacement, resource.

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