AI chatbots are becoming virtual companions for young people in South Korea.
A recent survey in South Korea revealed a notable trend: nearly 40% of young people surveyed said they felt conversations with AI chatbots gave them "emotional meaning."
This suggests that, for a significant portion of young Koreans, AI chatbots are not just a useful tool, but also a source of emotional support and a virtual companion.
AI-generated chat services, often seen as tools to support learning and work, are gradually becoming emotional companions for young Koreans. More than just chatbots, AI is acting as an informal "listener" and even a "mentor."
AI Conversations: Connecting Emotionally with Young People
A new survey conducted by South Korean market research firm Embrain from February 7th to 12th among 1,000 South Koreans aged 13 to 59 revealed that approximately 40% of teenagers and those in their 20s believe they can have meaningful emotional conversations with generative AI.
Specifically, 38% of teenagers and 42% of those in their 20s agreed with this view, significantly higher than those in their 30s (29.5%), 40s (32.5%), and 50s (31%). This suggests that the younger generation is becoming more open to using AI as a mental health support tool.
Whether it's simply venting after a long day, sharing personal thoughts, or engaging in casual conversations, AI is gradually taking over roles previously held by humans.
Seeking advice: When AI becomes a “consultant”
Beyond mere social conversations, many young people are turning to AI for guidance on mental and emotional well-being. The survey revealed that 19.8% of teenagers and 17% of those in their 20s are willing to use AI for mental health support or personal counseling.
This number gradually decreases in older age groups, reaching 14.8% in their 30s, 14.3% in their 40s, and 14.8% in their 50s. This reflects that younger people tend to be more open to technology, as well as seeking solace from AI when facing life's pressures.
While AI cannot replace a mental health professional, its ability to respond quickly, non-judgmentally, and offer personalized advice could make it a useful tool for reducing stress, loneliness, or personal problems.
Why are young South Koreans using AI more?
One key reason AI is becoming more popular among young people is its high accessibility. The survey showed that 95% of teenagers and 84% of those in their 20s had used ChatGPT, significantly higher than the 71.3% average for the entire survey group.
Furthermore, 59.6% of people in their 20s and 41.6% of teenagers use AI outside of academic and work tasks, compared to significantly lower rates in older age groups.
Can chatting with AI really improve mental health?
Several scientific studies have shown the potential of AI in supporting mental health. A January 2025 study by the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology and the AI company ScatterLabs showed that regular interaction with the AI chatbot Luda Lee 2.0 reduced users' loneliness levels by an average of 15% and social anxiety by 18%.
However, AI still faces reliability issues. The survey revealed that 69.6% of respondents did not fully trust information provided by AI, and 83% emphasized the importance of verifying information from AI.
In addition, concerns about the social impact of AI are also growing. Approximately 81.2% of respondents expressed concern about the risks of deepfakes, while 79% worried about copyright issues related to AI-generated content.
Although still debated, it's undeniable that AI is gradually becoming an important part of the mental well-being of many young people. As technology continues to develop, AI could become an even more effective psychological support tool, provided it is used responsibly.
