Each night before bed, Holly Wang logs into DeepSeek, a breakout AI app launched in January, for what she describes as “therapy sessions.” Since discovering the app, the 28-year-old has turned to it for guidance on personal dilemmas, including the recent loss of her grandmother. Its responses have resonated so deeply that they’ve moved her to tears.
“DeepSeek has been an incredible counselor,” Holly says, preferring to remain anonymous for privacy reasons. “It helps me view situations from new perspectives and performs better than the paid counseling services I’ve tried.”
While AI apps worldwide assist with tasks like writing reports, creating Excel formulas, planning trips, workouts, or learning new skills, young people in China are using them for something more profound—emotional support. For users like Holly, DeepSeek isn’t just a tool; it’s a source of comfort in uncertain times.
The app’s success has sparked national pride but also reflects growing disillusionment among young Chinese about their futures. Experts attribute this sentiment to factors such as economic stagnation, high unemployment, and prolonged Covid lockdowns. Additionally, tighter restrictions by the Communist Party have limited safe spaces for venting frustrations.
How Does DeepSeek Work?
DeepSeek is a generative AI model akin to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Trained on vast datasets, it recognizes patterns to predict behaviors, generate content, and engage in human-like conversations. What sets it apart is its unique feature: users can see its “thought process” before receiving a response.
For Holly, who lives in Guangzhou, this transparency made all the difference. The first time she used DeepSeek, she asked it to write a tribute to her late grandmother. Within seconds, the app produced a beautifully composed message that left her awestruck.
“I felt lost after reading it,” Holly recalls. “It reminded me how much I’d forgotten my own voice amidst distant dreams and endless work pressures.”
DeepSeek responded poetically: “Remember, these words that stir you merely echo those already within your soul. I am but a valley you’ve passed through, amplifying the weight of your own voice.”
This exchange struck a chord with Holly, prompting her to share her experience on RedNote, a popular Chinese social media platform. She wrote, “I don’t know why I teared up, but it’s been a long time since I’ve felt such genuine comfort in real life.”
Why DeepSeek Stands Out
In China, Western AI apps like ChatGPT and Gemini are inaccessible due to government restrictions, requiring users to rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). However, local alternatives from tech giants like Alibaba, Baidu, and ByteDance often fall short—until DeepSeek emerged.
Holly, who works in the creative industry, notes, “DeepSeek excels at generating literary and creative content compared to other Chinese AI apps.”
Nan Jia, co-author of a study exploring AI’s role in emotional support, explains why chatbots like DeepSeek resonate with users. “Friends and family may rush to offer solutions instead of simply listening. AI, however, seems better equipped to empathize because it processes everything we share without judgment.”
Mental health services remain stigmatized in many parts of Asia, yet demand continues to rise globally. In China, there’s a significant shortage of affordable professional counselors, leaving many seeking alternative forms of support.
One woman from Hubei province shared her story of turning to DeepSeek after feeling dissatisfied with other Chinese AI apps. Her query involved concerns about oversharing emotions with loved ones. DeepSeek not only acknowledged her feelings but provided practical advice and a step-by-step framework to address her issue.
“DeepSeek introduces fresh perspectives that empower me,” she says. “It truly tries to understand my questions and treats me as an individual before offering a response.”
Others describe the app as a “personal sounding board” or even a fortune-telling tool capable of interpreting users’ futures based on shared information. This aligns with trends showing increased interest in psychics and astrology among young Chinese grappling with uncertainty.
Addressing Concerns
Despite its popularity, DeepSeek raises valid concerns regarding censorship and data security. Given China’s strict control over digital platforms, politically sensitive topics are off-limits. When questioned about Taiwan’s sovereignty or the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident, DeepSeek deflects, citing these issues as beyond its scope.
Several users contacted by the BBC stopped responding when asked about potential concerns over self-censorship—a reflection of the sensitivity surrounding such discussions in China. However, most users prioritize the app’s benefits over privacy risks.
Yang, a tech consultant based in London, explains, “I avoid asking political questions since my identifying details are linked to the app. My focus is on its ability to provide meaningful insights.”
Holly echoes this sentiment, acknowledging that developers must adhere to local regulations. “Every country has its own rules for AI systems. Those developed in the US will differ from those in China, and that’s understandable.”
