AI-Mediated Intimacy: A Media Psychology Analysis of Young Adults’ Emotional Reliance on Chatbots

School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN Sheffield, United Kingdom

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Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in daily life, not only providing information retrieval but also emotional support. New chatbots, as an emerging channel with the ability to generate human-like conversations and display emotional responses, have become a crucial tool for young people to seek emotional support. The public can use chatbots to express themselves without fear of negative consequences. AI chatbots offer an alternative form of mediated intimacy, providing emotional support through interaction that differs from the interpersonal connections humans have. Although users may experience empathy in chatbot responses, this empathy is artificial rather than genuine. Drawing on uses and gratifications theory (UGT), parasocial interaction theory, and social presence theory, this study reviews existing research to explain why young people choose AI chatbots for companionship, stress relief, and self-expression. This study explores the factors that motivate young people to engage with AI chatbots for self-expression and emotional support, as well as their understanding of AI chatbots’ emotional capabilities. The findings have practical implications for addressing concerns about the potential for AI technology to induce deceptive emotions and contribute to mental health issues.