AI Chatbots Are Becoming Virtual Companions for South Korean Youth

This shows that, for a significant portion of young Koreans, AI chatbots are not just a convenient tool, but also a source of emotional support, a virtual companion.

Generative AI chat services, traditionally seen as study and work support tools, are increasingly becoming emotional companions for young Koreans. More than just chatbots, AI is acting as an informal “listener” and even an “adviser.”

AI Chat: Connecting Emotionally with Young People

A new survey conducted by market research firm Embrain (South Korea) from February 7 to 12 on 1,000 Koreans aged 13 to 59 found that about 40% of teenagers and people in their 20s believe they can have meaningful emotional conversations with generative AI.

Specifically, 38% of teenagers and 42% of people in their 20s agree with this view, significantly higher than those in their 30s (29.5%), 40s (32.5%), and 50s (31%). This shows that the younger generation is more open to using AI as a mental support tool.

Whether it's simply venting after a long day, sharing personal thoughts, or engaging in casual conversations, AI is increasingly taking on roles that were previously reserved for humans.

Seeking Advice: When AI Becomes the “Advisor”

Beyond just small talk, many young people are turning to AI for mental and emotional guidance. The survey found that 19.8% of teens and 17% of people in their 20s would be open to using AI for mental health support or personal counseling.

This figure gradually decreases in older age groups, 14.8% in their 30s, 14.3% in their 40s, and 14.8% in their 50s. This reflects that young people tend to be more open to technology, as well as seek comfort from AI when facing life's pressures.

While AI cannot replace a psychologist, its ability to respond quickly, non-judgmentally, and provide personalized advice could make it a useful tool for reducing stress, loneliness, or personal issues.

Why do young Koreans use AI more?

One big reason why AI is more popular among young people is its high level of accessibility. The survey found that 95% of teens and 84% of people in their 20s have used ChatGPT, significantly higher than the average of 71.3% for the entire survey group.

Furthermore, 59.6% of 20-year-olds and 41.6% of teenagers use AI outside of academic and work tasks, compared to significantly lower rates among older groups.

Does Chatting with AI Really Improve Mental Health?

Several scientific studies have shown the potential of AI to support mental health. A January 2025 study by the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology and AI company ScatterLabs found that regular interactions with the AI ​​chatbot Luda Lee 2.0 reduced users' loneliness by an average of 15% and social anxiety by 18%.

However, AI still faces reliability issues. The survey found that 69.6% of respondents did not fully trust information provided by AI, and 83% stressed the importance of verifying information from AI.

Concerns about the social impact of AI are also growing. About 81.2% of respondents expressed concern about the risk of deepfakes, while 79% were concerned about copyright issues of AI-generated content.

Despite the controversy, there is no denying that AI is becoming an increasingly important part of many young people’s mental health. As technology continues to advance, AI could become an even more effective tool for mental health support, provided it is used responsibly.