Share Your Experience: Has a Chatbot Assisted You During a Difficult Time in Your Life?
The Guardian
SKIPPED
Details
- Date Published
- 20 Jan 2026
- Priority Score
- 1
- Australian
- Unknown
- Created
- 21 Jan 2026, 06:15 am
Description
We would like to hear from people who have used chatbots for companionship or mental health support
Summary
The Guardian invites readers to share their experiences with AI chatbots, particularly how these technologies have provided companionship or mental health support during challenging times. With AI chatbots like ChatGPT gaining immense popularity and becoming deeply integrated into daily life, individuals increasingly utilize them as companions, therapists, and mental health aids. This initiative seeks personal stories to explore the broader impact of AI in human psychological well-being, indirectly touching upon the ethical and safety aspects of relying on AI for mental support. While the focus is more on personal experiences, it highlights the potential societal shifts and risks associated with growing AI dependency.
Body
How has a chatbot helped you get through a difficult period in life? Photograph: Mike Blake/ReutersView image in fullscreenHow has a chatbot helped you get through a difficult period in life? Photograph: Mike Blake/ReutersTell us: has a chatbot helped you out of a difficult time in your life?We would like to hear from people who have used chatbots for companionship or mental health supportAI Chatbots are now a part of everyday life. ChatGPT surpassed 800 million weekly active users in late 2025.
Some people are forming relationships with these chatbots, using them for companionship, mental health support, and even as therapists.
Has a chatbot helped you get through a difficult period in life? If so, we’d like to hear about it.Share your experienceYou can tell us how an AI chatbot has helped you get through a difficult period in life using this form.Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. For more information please see our terms of service and privacy policy.Tell us hereYour responses, which can be anonymous, are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions. We will only use the data you provide us for the purpose of the feature and we will delete any personal data when we no longer require it for this purpose. For alternative ways to get in touch securely please see our tips guide.Name Where do you live? Tell us a bit about yourself (e.g. age, background, what you do) OptionalHow has a chatbot helped you get through a difficult period in life? Please include as much detail as possible. If you are happy to, please upload a photo of yourself here OptionalPlease note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB.Choose fileCan we publish your response? Yes, entirelyYes, but contact me firstYes, but please keep me anonymousNo, this is information onlyPhone number OptionalYour contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.Email address Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.You can add more information here OptionalIf you include other people's names please ask them first.Would you be interested in speaking to our audio and/or video teams? Audio onlyVideo onlyAudio and videoNo, I'm not interestedBy submitting your response, you are agreeing to share your details with us for this feature.SubmitIf you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.Explore more on these topicsAI (artificial intelligence)Computingcallout