A growing share of users are turning to artificial intelligence not just for productivity but for personal guidance, reflecting an evolving relationship between humans and conversational technology. According to a recent report by The Economic Times titled “Confidant Claude? Anthropic says 6% of users turn to its AI chatbot for personal advice,” approximately 6 percent of interactions with Anthropic’s chatbot Claude involve users seeking advice on personal matters.
The finding underscores a broader shift in how AI systems are being used. Originally designed for tasks such as drafting text, summarizing information, and assisting with coding, chatbots are increasingly being positioned—intentionally or otherwise—as informal advisors. Users are engaging with them on topics ranging from relationships and career choices to emotional concerns, signaling a growing trust in AI-generated responses.
Anthropic, one of the leading companies developing large language models, has emphasized that its systems are not intended to replace professional advice or human relationships. However, the company acknowledges that conversational AI can create a sense of accessibility and non-judgment that encourages users to open up. This dynamic is particularly pronounced among younger users, who may already be accustomed to digital-first forms of communication.
Experts caution that while AI chatbots can provide general guidance or help users think through issues, they lack the contextual understanding, accountability, and ethical responsibility of trained professionals. Concerns persist about the risks of overreliance, particularly when users seek help on sensitive topics such as mental health or major life decisions. Unlike licensed practitioners, AI systems do not bear legal or professional consequences for the advice they provide.
The statistic cited by Anthropic also raises questions about the design and guardrails of these tools. Companies have been working to implement safeguards to prevent harmful or misleading outputs, especially in areas like health and finance. Yet the line between general guidance and personalized advice can be difficult to enforce in practice, particularly as AI models become more conversational and adaptive.
At the same time, proponents argue that AI chatbots can serve as a first point of support, offering users a space to articulate concerns or explore options before seeking human input. In regions where access to professional services is limited, such tools could play a supplementary role, though not a substitute.
The trend highlighted in The Economic Times report suggests that AI developers will need to grapple not only with technical improvements but also with ethical considerations around user behavior. As chatbots continue to integrate more deeply into daily life, their function as quasi-confidants presents both an opportunity and a challenge, requiring careful calibration between utility, safety, and user expectations.
