TMTPOST--Rose, a young woman who failed her graduate school entrance exams twice, is a devoted user of tarot cards. During her preparation for exams and the job hunting process, she relied heavily on tarot readings. "I’m a person easily getting emotionally drained," Rose admits. "Especially at night, I have insomnia and wild dreams, and I sometimes feel hopeless. That’s when I turn to tarot cards to see if I’ll succeed."

Every morning, Rose draws a tarot card to guide her for the day. If the card suggests caution, she adjusts her plans accordingly. This ritual provides her with a sense of control and reassurance. To Rose, tarot cards are like a wise elder, offering encouragement during challenging times. "I had little motivation. My friends were either already working or pursuing their graduate studies, while I was still dependent on my parents. Those days were tough, and I desperately wanted an affirmative answer to keep going."

In a world filled with uncertainties, today’s young people in China, including those with advanced degrees, are increasingly seeking comfort in unconventional ways. AI-powered fortune-telling has become increasingly popular among them as it offers a blend of technology and mysticism to alleviate their anxieties and guide their decision-making.

Jing Yi, a recent graduate from Wuhan University, one of the most prestigious universities in China, is another example. Despite leading a frugal life, she has thrown a large amount of money for spiritual practices, including spending 800 yuan (about US$111) on a blessed charm bracelet, believing it would help her land a dream job. Jing is a firm believer of the bracelet's efficacy, attributing her academic success to its "divine intervention."

The popularity of such practices among young people, including those with high levels of education, can be partly explained by the stress and anxiety they face in a rapidly changing world.

The 2023 Blue Book on China's Mental Health reports that approximately 95 million people in China suffer from depression, with only 36% of the population considering themselves mentally healthy. A study published in Nature Biotechnology found that graduate students are over six times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the general population.

In the era when the development of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) gains momentum, seeking solace and answers has become more accessible through AI-powered astrology and divination tools. These digital solutions provide an alternative to traditional spiritual practices, offering quick, low-cost guidance at the touch of a button. Unlike consulting a professional fortune teller, which can be expensive, AI tarot readings are often free or very cheap.

Many young people have adopted the habit of resorting to tarot cards or similar tools when faced with challenges in their careers or personal lives. They hope that these practices will bring them luck and clarity in uncertain situations.

People living in a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) have increased their focus on mental health, and many young people turn to astrology and divination to find peace and answers in their lives, said Ren Yongliang, the founder of the AI-based mental health app "Ceping".

Jing Ge, another AI tarot enthusiast, uses a popular AI tarot app to predict his career path. Although the readings sometimes include reversed cards, the overall tone is usually positive, providing psychological comfort and encouraging self-reflection. From a psychological perspective, when people seek advice, they hope for understanding and positive reinforcement. AI, with its inclination toward positive responses, aligns well with the needs of those seeking emotional solace.

Chang Chao, who recognized the importance of AI in mental health early on, intentionally incorporated humanistic ideas into his AI tarot product. "During user research, I found that many people have never received high-quality praise in their lives. Some people have never heard words of encouragement from their parents or friends," says Chang. "Tarot helps users address emotional issues, guiding them to discover and change themselves through their own efforts."

AI fortune-telling is not just a niche market; it is much larger than many might think. On social media platforms, topics related to mysticism have gained billions of views, and AI tarot videos have garnered millions of views and interactions. In an age where traditional psychological services may seem inaccessible or intimidating, AI-powered fortune-telling offers a more approachable and cost-effective alternative.

While AI fortune-telling may not replace human psychologists or spiritual advisors, it serves as a valuable tool for those seeking emotional support and clarity in a world that often feels overwhelming. As AI technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to play an even more significant role in helping people navigate their emotional and psychological challenges.