800 Million ChatGPT Users and Mental Health: Are We Really Getting Any Better?

Exploring the Intersection of AI Growth and Mental Wellness in a Digital Age

Welcome to this edition, where we delve into the exciting yet complex landscape of technology and mental health. As we witness the remarkable rise of platforms like ChatGPT, boasting 800 million users, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly leveraging this growth to foster better mental health conversations, or are we merely scratching the surface? Join us as we explore this dynamic intersection and uncover the implications for both users and mental health professionals.

🤖 AI Buzz Meter

Hey tech enthusiasts! Quick peek at the latest in the AI universe. Bullet points:

• Big number alert: 800 million users flock to ChatGPT, sparking discussions on mental health. OpenAI’s AI-powered chatbot has reached this impressive figure as of October 2025, reflecting its growing role as a platform for users to discuss sensitive topics, including mental health issues. Read more here

• Why this matters for mental health professionals: The rise of AI platforms like ChatGPT presents an opportunity to engage with users where they are discussing mental health, prompting further exploration of AI's impact on mental health discussions and support systems.

• On another front, Bluesky has grown its user base to 40 million, introducing a 'dislikes' feature aimed at reducing online toxicity and influencing content visibility. As engagement has dropped by 50% since late 2024, understanding these shifting dynamics could be crucial for researchers interested in the intersection of social media and mental health. Dive deeper

• Additionally, AwakenAngels, Ireland's first women-led investment syndicate, has facilitated over £4 million in funding for female-founded companies. Their initiatives could positively influence mental health resources by supporting businesses dedicated to this sector. Learn more here

• Finally, a significant collaboration was established on October 30, 2023, when the RISC-V Open-source Chip Industry Innovation Center signed a partnership with Alibaba's Damo Academy. This initiative aims to bolster the RISC-V chip industry ecosystem, potentially enhancing technology developments used in mental health applications. Read about it.

🧠 Mind Matters Spotlight

For you mental health pros, this one's for you! Let's explore:

• Chat with friends or therapy? A brief look into how AI platforms like ChatGPT are reshaping the mental health landscape. With an impressive growth to 800 million users by October 2025, ChatGPT is becoming a significant platform for discussions around mental health topics, allowing individuals to seek informal support and engage in dialogue about their experiences. Read more here.

• Bluesky's 'dislikes' feature and its potential influence: This innovative addition, aimed at reducing online toxicity, could reshape how users interact with content related to mental health. By empowering users to curate their experience actively, the feature may foster a healthier online environment, crucial for meaningful discussions about mental well-being. As Bluesky continues to evolve, understanding its user dynamics will be vital for professionals in the mental health space. Dive deeper.

• Let's chat: Could this tech really tackle toxic conversations affecting mental health? With both ChatGPT and Bluesky advocating for safer online spaces, collaboration between technologists and mental health professionals could lead to groundbreaking strategies for addressing toxic content online. These discussions are essential for establishing effective support systems in digital realms. Find out more: Learn more about AwakenAngels and community support and the innovative partnership forged by the RISC-V Open-source Chip Industry Innovation Center, which aims to advance technology that could enhance mental health applications. Read about it.

🚀 Innovators' Corner

PSA for innovators! What's cooking in the tech lab:

• OpenAI pushes boundaries: Unpacking the collaboration story. The remarkable growth of ChatGPT to 800 million weekly active users by October 2025 signifies its evolution into a critical platform for discussions around mental health. This transformation reflects how AI can foster connections and informal dialogue among users addressing sensitive topics. Learn more about this here.

• Why should mental health professionals care? Navigating new opportunities in AI and social media. As platforms like Bluesky grow to 40 million users and roll out innovative features such as the 'dislikes' option to curb toxicity, there’s a clear call for mental health researchers to engage with these evolving digital landscapes. Understanding user interactions and the potential impact on mental health conversations will be crucial as this space continues to develop. Dive deeper into Bluesky's impact.

• Are you ready to innovate? Challenge yourself with this thought: What's next for tech in mental health? With initiatives like AwakenAngels, which has facilitated over £4 million in funding for women-led startups, and the collaboration between the RISC-V Open-source Chip Industry Innovation Center and Alibaba's Damo Academy focusing on tech developments, there's ample room for exploration. These partnerships could lead to groundbreaking advancements in mental health applications and provide innovative resources for professionals in the field. Read about AwakenAngels' mission and the RISC-V collaboration here: Learn more.

Stay tuned, as the integration of technology into mental health continues to evolve and uncover new opportunities.