The University Observer

Introducing the Editorial Team for the University Observer 2026/27! 🌟🗞️

We’re delighted to announce that Alice Keegan and John O’Connor will be leading the paper into Volume # # !

Incoming Editor Alice Keegan has served as OTwo Co-Editor over the last year, whilst incoming Deputy Editor John O’Connor has been co-editor of the News section of the paper for the year.

Congratulations to Alice and John - we’re truly so excited to see where you take the University Observer over the next year! 🎉

This article discusses mental illness and self-harm.

According to YouGov, one in three Americans say they would be comfortable discussing their mental health with a chatbot rather than a human therapist. What drives people toward a chatbot rather than a professional is not simply its 24/7 availability. Mental health services across Ireland remain severely under-resourced. Waiting lists stretch for months, particularly outside urban areas. Students on UCD campus have recently reported waiting several months before being able to access counselling.

Users, many of them in vulnerable emotional states, approach these systems as they would a licensed therapist. They disclose trauma, replay distressing experiences, and use the platform for informal self-diagnosis.

🔗 Read the full article on our website.
✍️ Katharina Lublinski
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