In China, AI chatbots like DeepSeek are becoming popular helpers. Students chat about exam fears, and young parents ask about family arguments. These computer programs give replies day or night, earning the name"24-hour digital friends. " But can AI truly replace human doctors?
A2024 report shows that 45% of people who need mental health（心理健康）care failed to receive help. High costs and doctor shortages remain big problems. Professor Daniel Lowd explains, "AI chatbots offer free support anytime. They are not perfect, but if they reduce people's loneliness, that's meaningful progress. "
However, human doctors have special skills that machines can't copy. During meetings, they notice important details like tears, which help them understand hidden pains. They change treatment（治疗）plans weekly based on patients' conditions. Professor Richard Lachman warns, "Chatbots repeat doctor-like words without real medical training. This could be risky. "
Some companies are trying to create safer AI tools. The Wysa app follows strict UK hospital rules, always telling, users"I' m not a real doctor" during talks. It suggests breathing exercises for stress and connects users to human experts for serious problems.
For quick help with simple issues like school pressure or friend fights, chatbots work well. They' re free and never get tired. But for long-term mental health needs, human doctors do better. They remember your birthday, notice your new haircut, and laugh at your jokes just like your friends. Building this kind of rapport is something AI cannot achieve.
The future might see chatbots dealing with common questions while doctors focus on serious problems. It might be better to use both: chatbots for quick advice at midnight, and real doctors for deeper conversations during daylight hours.
