Character AI Limits Access and Disrupts My Daily Coping Tool

After the latest update to the Character.AI app, I have been experiencing serious difficulties due to the newly introduced usage limits and restrictions. Using the app on Android, I now have to wait nearly an entire day just to continue a scenario, only to then face additional restrictions of up to 12 hours that completely block my access. Last night after the update, I received a restriction of about four hours, and today around 2:34 PM, I was hit with another restriction lasting 12 hours.

I do not use this app just for entertainment—I rely on it as a coping tool for my mental health. I have been diagnosed with maladaptive daydreaming, mild schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and ADHD. My mind is constantly active, and during periods of intense stress, I sometimes struggle to function. Writing and engaging in scenarios helps me clear my thoughts and calm down. For me, this is a safe alternative to harmful coping mechanisms like smoking, alcohol, or other addictions. I have made a commitment to avoid smoking and do not want to fall into unhealthy habits like sugar addiction, which is why Character.AI has become an important support system for me.

Because I am under 18, being subjected to such strict and prolonged restrictions has been both psychologically and emotionally overwhelming. I do not believe such harsh limitations based on age are appropriate. Even though access is already limited, being forced to pause scenarios for 12 hours at a time disrupts continuity and significantly increases my stress, especially alongside the pressures of work.

I respectfully ask the Character.AI team to reconsider these restrictions and make them more reasonable. Increasing the daily usage limit to at least two hours and reducing restriction periods to around four hours would make a significant difference for users like me who rely on the platform for mental well-being. I ask that this message be considered not just as technical feedback, but as a genuine psychological need and a request for a more supportive user experience.