Millennials and Gen Z turn to AI for emotional support, find it ‘more effective’ than pets: Study

As AI’s role in personal life continues to expand, experts are also exploring its potential for mental health support.

A recent survey has revealed a surprising trend among younger generations: increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support. According to research conducted by First Saturday Lime, a company known for eco-friendly insect repellents, 11% of millennials and 10% of Gen Z respondents prefer AI companions over traditional emotional support animals like dogs or cats.

The study, which surveyed 1,000 Americans across different age groups, highlighted the shifting landscape of emotional support, with technology taking a significant role in the lives of younger individuals.

The survey also found that 18% of those who use AI for emotional support believed it to be more effective than relying on traditional pets. AI, in various forms, has become an integral part of daily life for many, from handling routine tasks to providing companionship.

In one notable case, 23-year-old Alexander Zhadan used the AI platform ChatGPT to help him filter through thousands of Tinder profiles, eventually finding a match that led to a serious relationship, New York Post reported. Similarly, Megan Riehl, a bride from New York, used AI to design wedding invitations, saving significant costs by opting for the DALL-E image generator instead of hiring a professional artist.

As AI’s role in personal life continues to expand, experts are also exploring its potential for mental health support. Researchers from the University of Texas are developing a chatbot system designed to assist new mothers with postpartum depression, aiming to understand their specific emotional needs and offer tailored support.

Despite these technological advances, traditional emotional support animals still maintain their popularity. According to the survey, dogs remain a favourite among Gen Z, who are 133% more likely to choose them over cats for managing stress and anxiety.

Meanwhile, an unexpected trend has emerged: chickens have gained popularity as emotional support animals, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, with 19% and 18% respectively choosing chickens for companionship and stress relief. Chickens, according to First Saturday Lime’s CFO Jana McDaniel, offer not only a calming presence but also practical benefits, such as egg-laying.