Loneliness and AI dependency

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between loneliness and dependency on generative artificial intelligence (AI) among Generation Z individuals. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, while dependency on AI was measured through the Generative AI Dependency Scale. A sample of 30 participants was selected, and a correlational research design was employed to analyze the association between the variables. The findings revealed a positive relationship between loneliness and dependency on generative AI (p = _), indicating that individuals experiencing higher levels of loneliness tend to show greater reliance on AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini. The results suggest that lonely individuals may use generative AI for emotional support, companionship, and the sharing of personal information. The study highlights the growing role of AI in fulfilling social and emotional needs among young adults. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is required to explore the long-term implications of AI dependency and to examine whether generative AI can meaningfully substitute human relationships or merely serve as a temporary coping mechanism.