Getty Images A person wakes in the middle of the night, overwhelmed and needing someone to talk to. But instead of calling a loved one or booking a counselling session, they open ChatGPT. Around the world, artificial intelligence chatbots are becoming companions, coaches, sounding boards, and, for a rising number of people, unofficial therapists. Studies have found that many users turn to AI to discuss personal struggles, seek emotional support, reflect on their feelings, and better understand t