A recent survey involving 2,000 individuals aged 18 to 29 in the UK reveals that one in four members of Generation Z would rather engage in conversation with artificial intelligence than with another person. The results indicate that two-thirds of participants have opted to cancel social plans in favor of spending time online on multiple occasions. Furthermore, 42% of those surveyed admitted to feeling anxious about initiating small talk with strangers, while 27% expressed that phone calls are a source of stress for them. Additionally, one in five respondents reported feeling unsafe or unwelcome in public environments. Loneliness is also a significant concern, as two-thirds of participants experience feelings of isolation at least once a week, and over a quarter encounter such feelings multiple times a day. Interestingly, the survey found that 25% of respondents find it easier to converse with an AI chatbot than with a human, and 14% specifically seek out AI companions during times of loneliness. This raises the question: can artificial intelligence alleviate feelings of loneliness? The responses are mixed, with some believing it can offer genuine support, while others view it as merely an illusion.
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