Artificial Intimacy: A Study of AI Usage and Loneliness Across Gender and Age

Sammanfattning

This study investigates the relationship between self-reported loneliness and AI usage, distinguishing between social (e.g., chatbots) and productive (e.g., academic tools) usage across gender and age. In total, 92 participants completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale and two custom AI usage scales. Findings reveal that loneliness significantly predicts greater use of social AI, but not productive usage. Gender differences emerged: men reported higher loneliness, while women engaged more with AI in a social context. No significant age effects were found, likely due to the sample’s skew towards younger adults. These results suggest that AI may serve as a substitute for social connection, particularly for those experiencing loneliness. However, this reliance raises concerns about emotional authenticity and overdependence. The study underscores the importance of understanding demographic factors in AI interaction and calls for broader, longitudinal research to explore the relationship between AI usage and Loneliness.