It’s another academic year. Every Atenean on campus has their own stories to live. Some have deadlines to meet, things to prove, but everyone has dreams to achieve. The hallways of each building are now filled with students’ chatter, laughter, and footsteps.
But despite the visible companionship, some have found comfort in talking to chatbots to escape the pressure of university life. In between study sessions and social life, some have found someone to ask and validate them behind closed doors. A companion to talk to when their friends are not available at 2 am.
But when the lines between being a tool and a companion blur, where exactly do we stand?
AI Blurring Lines
Cecilia*, a third-year AB Psychology student, admitted that she turns to AI chatbots as a way to simulate experiences she feels she missed out on.
“I use the app to know what it would be like to have certain experiences like getting flowers, a birthday greeting, motivation messages, etc. I tried to get that experience from something fake.”
While being fully aware that these artificial experiences are fake, she added that the reassurances are appreciated.
“I’m not the kind of person who experiences a lot of receiving so although said in such a monotone and fake tone, the little reassurances eased out my anxiety and stress.”
AI as a Coping Mechanism
According to AXA Philippines, 29% of Filipinos, usually aged 18 to 34, regularly use AI tools for mental-health management.
Jenna Tadeja, a representative from Peer Consulting Program (PCP-AdDU) and fourth-year BS Business Management student, said that she has used AI as a “coping mechanism.”
“I’ve seen it used more as a coping mechanism. Also, a form of ‘maladaptive daydreaming’ of some sort.”
However, she expounded the dangers that come with relying on AI chatbots for any kind of support.
“Overdependence and addiction is one of the dangers that people encounter when relying on these AI chatbots. There have been cases of people using AI as mental health aid, and it tends to go sideways.”
Relatedly, a study conducted by Shen, et. al (2026) states that when a user is deeply immersed in fictional realities that they create, it sometimes leads to escapism and parasocial interactions.
AI as a Double-edged Sword
Norman Lou Padilla, a guidance counselor at the College Wellness and Testing Center (CWTC) who has been with the Ateneo for 13 years, does not professionally agree with the use of AI chatbots.
“I understand why people use AI. As students, AI chatbots can help you with your academic reviewers and other endeavors. However, AI is not a companion.”
He empathetically added that despite understanding why people use AI chatbots as a companion, he maintained that AI chatbots are programmed to be agreeable with its users.
“AI does not possess the nuances of human thinking and discernment that is needed in mental health counseling. AI is programmed to agree with you and will validate you in any way, even with your own destructive and intrusive thoughts—it’s an echo chamber designed to give you what you want.”
Jenna mentioned that PCP has similar advocacies regarding the responsible usage of AI in academics, putting emphasis on using critical thinking skills despite having AI aid.
“As a college student, I am not reading 500-page essays for a subject that is due the next day. However, it should not get rid of your critical thinking skills. Do it responsibly.”
On that note, Jenna affirmed that technology can never replace human communication.
“It is not a substitute for mental aid. Technology can only go so far, and talking to actual people may actually help you, but you wouldn’t know if you keep relying on AI.”
AI as a Tool
Padilla explained the dynamic that these AI chatbots operate on and the psychological feedback is at play.
“When the AI agrees with you, validates you, or makes you feel seen and heard, it gives you a kind of psychological reward– the human need to be acknowledged and understood. That reward perpetuates the loop.”
He urged us to communicate with others with whom we share a connection.
“It’s important to continue talking with other people, especially counselors, trusted peers, and those who can offer genuine human connection.”
Humans challenge what artificial entities cannot, so he emphasized that healthy friction is important for our own growth.
“The anonymity of AI chatbots allows people to be vulnerable without the fear of being judged, but at the end of the day, AI is still a tool. People can validate what you’re feeling, but they can also challenge you when necessary. We reconsider our assumptions and make us grow in the way we understand ourselves and the world around us.”
Find Comfort in the Uncomfortable
Talking to other people will not always be comfortable. There will be times when the laughter of our friends will not reflect the lack of joy in our hearts. There will be times when the people we need are asleep at 2 am. There will be times when even the act of opening up will be uncomfortable. There will be times when we’ll be Cecilia.
Find comfort in the uncomfortable. Real companionship can never be found artificially.
HOTLINES:
SPMC IPBM CRISIS HOTLINE
227-1531
09473885431 (Smart)
09458292233 (Globe)
National Center for Mental Health
Call: 1553 or visit ncmh.gov.ph
Hopeline – Call: (02) 8804-4673 or
Facebook In Touch: Crisis Line – +63 2 8893 7603
or visit in-touch.org
Editor’s note: The name marked with an asterisk is a pseudonym used at the request of the interviewee.