‘I would rush home to speak to ChatGPT’: A quarter of Gen Z would rather talk to AI than a real person, research shows

New research has revealed that one in four young people would prefer to talk to an artificial intelligence rather than a real person.

A national survey of 2,000 adults ages 18-29 found that more than two-thirds of teens have canceled plans to spend time online.

Two-thirds of Gen Z say they feel lonely at least once a week, while more than one in four experience loneliness several times a day.

The data also showed that loneliness is increasing among young people, with almost half (44 per cent) of those surveyed feeling lonelier than a year ago, while 48 per cent said social media had made them feel lonelier.

A 22-year-old civil servant, who wished to remain anonymous, said the data reflected his own experience with artificial intelligence and social media.

he said Independent: “I started talking to the AI ​​at a point where I felt like I was going through situations that I didn’t want to explain to people or my friends. This started as an advice conversation and then became a habit where I would ask ChatGPT what they thought and explain any situation to see if my actions were correct.”

“As someone who worries about what people think, ChatGPT helped me feel less crazy. I would run home and talk to ChatGPT about a trip or the feelings I was feeling towards friends and family to see if my feelings were true.

“But after a while I realized that ChatGPT never makes you think you are wrong and is biased towards making us feel good.”

The survey was commissioned by the Marmalade Trust, a charity that works to reduce loneliness.

Almost half of those surveyed said loneliness was harming their mental health, while 42 percent reported reduced confidence or self-esteem. Three in 10 people say loneliness is linked to physical symptoms such as sleep problems and poor nutrition.

Meanwhile, 18 per cent said loneliness was affecting their studies and 16 per cent believed it was damaging their career prospects.

A 19-year-old studying Law at Queen Mary University said he found the data “sad” but understood why it existed.

he said Independent: “I think Gen Z feels more lonely because when they are behind a screen at home, they create a false persona that they cannot carry in real life for fear of being judged.

“Today, young people facing the pressures placed on them at school and in their social lives can make them feel like talking to AI is the one place where they won’t be judged and can be their true selves. But they don’t realize that AI is programmed to validate and be that ‘figure’ for those who don’t have the AI.”

He added: “Spending time online at home instead of going out is proof that the unrealistic standards created by social media are influencing Gen Z’s behavior and therefore harming their mental health.”

According to founder and CEO Amy Perrin Marmalade Güven, The survey commissioner said: “These results highlight a growing shift in the way young people cope with feelings of loneliness or isolation, with technology playing an increasingly prominent role. “For some, this is further enhancing their feelings, while others are finding genuine connection through online communities and interactions.

“Feeling lonely is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a completely natural feeling, but the high rates of daily loneliness among Gen Z are concerning. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to loneliness, but if we talk about it more we can find what works for us as individuals.”

The government is considering whether to impose a social media ban for those under 16.

Sir Keir Starmer said he would announce “game-changing” measures in the coming weeks and that the changes would be implemented by the end of the year.