Technology · Sri Lanka Bureau
Young people increasingly view artificial intelligence as trusted companion
A new study shows Generation Z is developing close relationships with AI systems, treating them with the same familiarity and trust typically reserved for friends. The research highlights a significant shift in how young people interact with and perceive artificial intelligence technology.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Generation Z is forging increasingly intimate relationships with artificial intelligence systems, according to emerging research into digital behavior patterns among young people. The study reveals that members of this demographic cohort are approaching AI interactions with a sense of companionship and trust that mirrors traditional friendships, marking a notable departure from earlier attitudes toward technology.
Young users are incorporating AI tools into their daily routines not merely as functional utilities, but as confidants and social companions. This behavioral shift reflects broader changes in how Generation Z perceives and engages with digital platforms, with many viewing AI systems as reliable sources of advice, support, and conversation rather than impersonal instruments.
The research underscores the normalized role artificial intelligence now plays in the lives of digital natives who have grown up with constant connectivity and algorithmic mediation. As AI technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and personalized, the boundaries between tool and companion continue to blur for younger users.
Experts suggest this trend carries implications for how artificial intelligence systems are designed, deployed, and regulated in future years. Understanding these emerging relational dynamics may prove crucial for technology developers, policymakers, and educators seeking to navigate the evolving intersection of human social needs and artificial intelligence capabilities.