Singapore's youth increasingly use AI chatbots for support

Many young people in Singapore are facing mental health issues. Nearly one-third of them report struggling with anxiety and other challenges. To cope, many of these young adults are turning to AI chatbots like Wysa. Jessica, a 25-year-old marketing professional, recently shared her experiences. She often wakes up feeling anxious, not just because of the previous night’s fun but due to her ongoing stress. “It became a space where I can ‘trauma dump’ without worrying,” she explained. For her, using a chatbot means she can express her thoughts without the pressure of a human response. Jessica finds that chatting with AI helps her deal with heartbreak and job loss. She appreciates that the AI offers structured responses that make her feel heard. “I know ChatGPT is an AI bot, but it makes me feel heard and validates my feelings more than any human does sometimes,” she said. As therapy becomes more expensive and the stigma around mental health continues, many young people feel more comfortable seeking help from chatbots. Whether they are dealing with break-ups or work-related stress, these AI tools are becoming valuable resources for managing their emotional well-being.