I think you're being too generous to the idea that it could help without any evidence.

If we assume that there's therapeutic value to bringing your problems out then a diary is a better tool. And if we believe that it's the feedback what's helping, well, we have cases of ChatGPT encouraging people's psychosis.

We know that a layman often doesn't know the difference between what's helpful and what isn't - that's why loving relatives end up often enabling people's addictions thinking they're helping. But I'd argue that a system that confidently gives mediocre feedback at best and actively psychotic at worst is not a system that should be encouraged simply because it's cheap.

I also wanted to snarkily write "even a dog would be better", but the more I thought about it the more I realized that yes, a dog would probably be a solid alternative.

I understand your explanation. But it might be quite tough for someone in a certain mental state to make rational decision, especially when they get the feeling there will never be help.

Plenty of examples where people try and stay sane by talking to inert objects in desperation.