Eighty-six percent of young adults aged 16 to 34 use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, according to a survey by the EenVandaag Opinion Panel and the HUMAN program AI Love. Nearly half of these users interact with AI daily, often forming deep emotional bonds or relying on bots for personal support that they do not share with friends or family.
Why are young people turning to AI for emotional support?
For many users, AI chatbots provide a sense of “natural” interaction that fills a social void. Data from the 1,100 participants shows that 51 percent have shared personal information—ranging from mental health struggles to intimate social situations—with an AI bot. According to the survey, 23 percent of users admitted they share more personal details with a chatbot than with the people closest to them.
Participants described the bots as a “digital friend” or a “talking diary.” One user noted that after a relationship ended, they used ChatGPT to process emotions without feeling like a burden to others. Another participant highlighted that AI offers genuine enthusiasm for niche hobbies, a reaction they often fail to receive from real-world peers.
Research indicates that individuals who report having few or no friends are more likely to seek out companionship from AI and use these tools for casual conversation compared to other young people.
How does AI usage differ by gender?
While both men and women predominantly use AI for professional tasks like work or study, their social engagement with the technology diverges. According to the EenVandaag findings, women are more likely to use AI for social interaction and to seek advice on personal matters. Men, conversely, use it more than women for business-oriented things, such as work or study.
What are the risks of relying on AI for personal connections?
Siri Beerends, a cultuursocioloog at the University of Twente and SETUP, warns that the trend of “leaning on AI” has significant social consequences. She notes that chatbots do not “think” or “feel”; they merely predict the most likely word in a sentence based on probability. “The danger is that young people trust the voice of ChatGPT more than their own,” Beerends said.
She argues that relying on “hapless answers from a thoughtless computer model” hinders the development of a unique personality. While these bots are highly skilled at simulating empathy, Beerends emphasizes that they lack the capacity for true human connection and inward reflection.
Pro Tip: Protect your privacy
Privacy concerns remain a significant hurdle for users. While 67 percent of respondents reported being unconcerned about data security, 31 percent expressed worry about what happens with the information that is shared with AI chatbots.
Is a “digital detox” coming for AI?
Despite the current surge in AI adoption, some observers see signs of a future shift. Beerends compares the current trajectory of generative AI to the initial, uncritical adoption of smartphones and social media. She points to the rise of digital detox movements among youth as evidence that society can pivot toward a more critical stance regarding technology.
“That societal resistance should be encouraged,” Beerends stated. She suggests that as people begin to question whether AI improves their quality of life, a “maatschappelijke kentering”—or societal turning point—is entirely possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do chatbots actually feel emotions?
No. According to Siri Beerends, chatbots are mathematical models that calculate probabilities to predict the next word. They simulate understanding but lack the ability to feel or think. - Are young people using AI to replace friends?
For a small segment (7 percent) of the survey participants, the bot is viewed as a “digital friend.” This is more common among those who report having few or no friends. - Is it safe to share personal information with AI?
Nearly half of the users surveyed (48 percent) find it “unpleasant” that bots remember their data. Concerns persist regarding the long-term use of personal information by tech companies.
Have you used an AI chatbot to talk through a personal issue, or do you prefer keeping human interaction separate from digital tools? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or sign up for our weekly tech newsletter for more insights on the future of human-AI interaction.
