Association of using AI tools for personal conversation with social disconnectedness outcomes

Abstract

Aim: To examine the association of using AI tools exclusively for personal conversation with loneliness and perceived social isolation and social withdrawal. Subjects and methods: We used data from a quota-based online sample consisting of 3270 individuals reflecting the general adult population in Germany aged 18 to 74 years. Psychometrically sound tools were used to quantify the outcomes. Results: Adjusting for a wide array of covariates, regressions showed that compared to individuals never using AI tools for personal conversation, individuals using AI tools 1–3 times a month or less often for personal conversation mostly reported somewhat poorer social disconnectedness outcomes. Individuals using AI tools at least once a week for personal conversation, showed markedly poorer social disconnectedness outcomes (compared to never-users). Such associations were particularly pronounced among men and younger individuals. Conclusion: Frequent use of AI tools exclusively for personal conversation is associated with social disconnectedness outcomes. Our present study provides the first insights into the relationship between AI tools for personal conversation and poorer social disconnectedness outcomes, laying the groundwork for future research in this field.