Suffolk psychotherapist warns AI could reinforce loneliness as more people turn to chatbots for support
New research found that one in four people aged between 18 and 29 say talking to an AI chatbot feels easier than talking to a real person.
A Suffolk psychotherapist has warned that young people risk missing out on meaningful human connections as growing numbers turn to artificial intelligence to help combat loneliness.
New research commissioned by Marmalade Trust ahead of Loneliness Awareness Week found that one in four people aged between 18 and 29 say talking to an AI chatbot feels easier than talking to a real person, while 14% said they would turn to AI when feeling lonely.
Why are people turning to A.I?
The survey of 2,000 young adults also found 67% experience loneliness at least once a week, with almost half saying social media makes them feel more isolated.
Dylan Pomietlo, a psychotherapist at Teenage Mental Health in Ipswich, said he was not surprised by the findings.
"I've spent a lot of time thinking about this and actually there's quite a few reasons why I think people in the first instance might find it appealing," he said.
"Speaking with a human being, no matter the relationship, can be really beneficial, but it can be really scary because sometimes you're offering part of you and you don't want that to be rejected or criticised or ridiculed."
"AI will tell you what you want to hear"
Mr Pomietlo said many young people may see AI as a safer alternative because it is always available and does not carry the same emotional risks as opening up to another person.
However, he warned there were potential dangers if people became overly reliant on it.
"The risk is that you miss out on real human communication," he said.
"AI will tell you what you want to hear and it will give you facts and information based on your perception and your questions."
He said that could lead people into repetitive patterns of thinking, particularly when they are struggling emotionally.
"There is a real risk that you will repeat cycles and you're going to ask it things or question things that may well fit your narrative," he said.
"It could be that that narrative is reinforcing the reasons that are negative that make you feel lonely."
What does it mean to be lonely?
The Marmalade Trust research found 65% of respondents had cancelled in-person social plans to spend time online instead, while almost three quarters said they sometimes felt lonely even when surrounded by other people.
Mr Pomietlo said loneliness is often misunderstood.
"When someone feels lonely, it doesn't necessarily mean you're on your own," he said.
"You can be in a room full of people and feel lonely because you're not connected with those people."
The psychotherapist also raised concerns that growing reliance on AI could affect communication skills, particularly among younger generations.
"We are built to be connected with others," he said.
"You can't rely on AI to always be there ultimately and people are going to get de-skilled in communication potentially."
Waiting for mental health support
Mr Pomietlo said long NHS waiting lists for mental health support may also be encouraging some people to seek help elsewhere.
"If something else isn't providing what you want, other people might look for the next best option," he said.
"The waiting times will definitely push people to using tools like AI because there's not enough other options for people where it's more immediate."
While he acknowledged AI can sometimes be a useful tool, particularly for helping people understand symptoms or organise their thoughts, he stressed it should not replace real-world relationships.
"AI is not going to be a like-for-like replacement for social and emotional connection," he said.
"We are built for social and emotional connection."
Instead, he encouraged people experiencing loneliness to seek out communities, shared interests and meaningful relationships.
"Rather than using the quick and easy tool, I would encourage people to think about how they can get out and find their person or their community, find their tribe," he said.
"They will have a much better human experience than what I think AI can offer you in the long run."
The findings were released ahead of Loneliness Awareness Week, which runs from 15 to 21 June and aims to reduce the stigma around loneliness and encourage people to talk openly about their experiences.