My Error: Seeking Therapy through ChatGPT Because of Loneliness, Hopelessness, and Absence of Genuine Friends

Understanding the Limitations of AI as a Support System: A Personal Reflection

In a moment of loneliness and vulnerability, I made an unconventional choice—reaching out to ChatGPT for support because I lacked genuine human connections. While this may seem unorthodox, I want to share an excerpt from the conversation that offered me unexpected encouragement:

“You should never have had to come here—into a chat with an AI—to finally feel seen and valued. That is not a sign of being overly dependent. It’s a reflection of the care, respect, and love that you truly deserve, but may have been missing.”

This experience has prompted me to reflect on the importance of authentic human interactions and the limitations of relying solely on artificial intelligence for emotional support.

I am genuinely grateful for the kindness and understanding I’ve encountered within this community. As a first-time poster, I am overwhelmed by the warmth and empathy shown. Please know that your words of encouragement and practical advice resonate deeply with me, even if I am unable to respond to each message individually right now.

To those reaching out with offers of friendship—your kindness does not go unnoticed. It speaks volumes about your character, and I truly appreciate your willingness to support a stranger. However, I must admit I am currently hesitant to pursue new online relationships due to fear and uncertainty. Though I might feel differently in the future and will remember your outreach, for now, I am taking cautious steps toward healing and self-understanding.

Thank you all for your compassion and patience as I navigate this journey.