Among teenagers with psychological distress who had sought help, 46.5% had also confided in AI, according to a 2025 Child Welfare League Foundation survey. AI chat tools offer an emotional outlet but cannot assess mental health or handle crises. When distress affects daily life, human or professional support remains essential.

AI is available at any time and may help users express emotions and organize thoughts. However, unlike human counselors, it cannot fully assess tone, facial expressions, living conditions or changes in interaction.

If sadness, anxiety or depression lasts more than 2 weeks and affects sleep, eating, work or school, AI cannot intervene directly. Avoiding people, relying only on AI, or having thoughts of harming oneself or others are signs to seek help from trusted people or professionals.

Some platforms may use conversations to train models. Users should avoid entering addresses, phone numbers, identification numbers or medical records, and check for temporary chats or settings that disable data training.

Taipei City has 13 community psychological counseling clinics, including services for teenagers. People aged 15 to 45 may also use the central government's mental health support program. For consultation, call (02) 3393-7885.