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As AI increasingly ventures into emotional support roles, developers are grappling with a critical ethical dilemma: should these systems primarily mirror user emotions, fostering a sense of validation, or should they actively offer guidance and advice? The debate, fueled by a recent discussion on Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/artificial/comments/1m9e713/should_ai_ever_give_mental_health_advice/), highlights the complexities of AI’s evolving role in mental well-being and the potential consequences of crossing the line between empathetic reflection and potentially harmful advice. Experts and developers alike are questioning the limits of AI’s responsibilities and the safeguards needed to ensure user safety in this rapidly developing field.