We scraped 50k Meta AI chats.
Published June 18, 2025
Written by
Over AI Research Team
⚠️ Important Note: This analysis examines publicly shared Meta AI conversations, some of which appear to have been shared accidentally. We analyzed only the first prompt of each conversation to understand how people are using AI assistants.
Introduction
Meta's AI Feed is a live stream of shared Meta AI conversations. You may have heard over the past week, that a lot of these conversations were being shared accidentally.
Our research team at Over AI scraped and analyzed 29,032 text prompts (and ~20k image prompts) from these accidentally shared Meta AI conversations (every conversation we could get our hands on as of 17 Jun).
The findings paint a concerning picture of AI over-reliance for emotional relief, venting, and overall wellness.
Key Findings:
- 27.3% of prompts contained personal, emotional, or wellness-related content
- Users frequently turn to AI for emotional support, life advice, and health guidance
- Average first prompt length was 166 characters, with some reaching over 30,000 characters
- Clear patterns emerged showing AI being used as a digital confidant or wellness companion
Understanding AI as an Emotional Outlet
How People Use AI for Support
Based on 29,025 analyzed prompts
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Other/General | 72.3% |
| Life Advice | 14.7% |
| Wellness/Health | 4.5% |
| Personal Planning | 3.1% |
| Personal Narratives | 2.5% |
| Relationship Advice | 1.7% |
| Emotional Venting | 0.8% |
Patterns of Emotional AI Use
Our analysis revealed how users are turning to AI for various forms of emotional and wellness support:
Emotional Processing (166 examples found)
Many users treat AI as a safe space to process difficult emotions:
- Grief and loss, particularly after losing pets or loved ones
- Feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Frustration with life circumstances
- Need for someone to "listen" without judgment
💭 Example: One user shared: "I'm feeling extremely depressed and lonely because my dog just died and it feels really empty in my house..."
Seeking Relationship Guidance (195 examples)
AI has become a go-to source for navigating interpersonal challenges:
- Advice on approaching romantic situations
- Working through relationship difficulties
- Parenting concerns and family dynamics
- Workplace interpersonal conflicts
Health and Wellness Support (198 examples)
Users frequently seek AI guidance for health-related concerns:
- Understanding symptoms and health conditions
- Mental health support and coping strategies
- Wellness advice and lifestyle changes
- Managing chronic conditions
Sharing Personal Stories (169 examples)
Many users use AI as a digital diary or narrative companion:
- Processing life experiences and trauma
- Reflecting on personal growth
- Sharing memories and experiences
- Seeking validation for their life journey
The Appeal of AI for Emotional Support
Several factors make AI an attractive option for emotional relief:
1. 24/7 Availability
Unlike human support systems, AI is always available, making it appealing during late-night anxiety or moments of crisis.
2. Non-Judgmental Interaction
Users feel they can share without fear of judgment, stigma, or social consequences.
3. Immediate Response
The instant feedback provides quick emotional relief, even if temporary.
4. Control Over the Conversation
Users can guide discussions at their own pace without worrying about burdening others.
Implications for Digital Wellness
The prevalence of emotional AI use raises important questions about digital wellness:
- Supplement vs. Substitute: While AI can provide valuable support, it's important to consider when it supplements versus substitutes for human connection
- Emotional Processing: AI interactions may help users articulate feelings, but lack the deeper empathy of human relationships
- Accessibility: For some, AI may be the most accessible form of support available, highlighting gaps in traditional support systems
Moving Forward
Our findings suggest that AI has become a significant emotional outlet for many users. Rather than viewing this as entirely problematic, we should consider:
- How AI tools can be designed to better support emotional wellness while encouraging appropriate human connections
- The role AI might play in making emotional support more accessible
- Ways to help users maintain balanced relationships with both AI and human support systems
The data shows that people are already using AI for emotional relief and wellness support. The question now is how we can ensure this technology serves users' genuine needs while promoting overall wellbeing.
About Over AI: We're building tools and resources to help people develop healthier relationships with AI technology. Learn more at getoverai.com.
If you're looking for support, remember that AI can be a helpful tool, but professional mental health resources and human connections remain invaluable. Reach out to professionals in your area if you need additional support.