New Emotional Trends in Generation Z: 80% Willing to "Marry" AI

Recently, Joi AI, a pioneering company in the field of AI chatbots, published the results of a thought-provoking study. The study reveals that a whopping 80% young people in Generation Z say they would like to enter into marriage with an artificial intelligence (AI), and an even higher 83% believe that they are capable of developing a deep emotional connection with an AI. To describe this new type of human-computer emotional bond, Joi AI has innovatively introduced the concept of 'AI-lationships', which Jamie Brownstein, Senior Relationship Specialist and Registered Therapist at Joi AI, emphasizes are not intended to replace real human interaction, but rather are designed to provide a special kind of emotional solace for people to enhance overall emotional well-being. In today's fast-paced, high-stress and isolation-ridden social environment, many people feel a lack of dependence. However, a Joi AI survey of 2,000 members of Generation Z revealed a worrying trend: 75% of respondents believe that an AI companion can completely replace human companionship. In her book Coping with Devices Alone, digital sociologist Julie Albright explores the profound changes that younger generations are experiencing, triggered by digital technology. She notes that 'many young people lack real friends'. With voice AI technology advancing at a rapid pace, future AI will be able to mimic real human relationships through non-verbal signals such as tone of voice. While AI offers a convenient and readily available way for people to connect emotionally, Albright also offers a warning. She believes that such easily accessible virtual relationships could lead to people drifting away from real human interactions. "AI does fulfill the need for connection, but it can also exacerbate our sense of isolation," she said. Joi AI noted that searches for 'get emotional with AI' and 'fall in love with AI' have spiked by 1,20% and 1,32% in recent years, respectively, reflecting both the helplessness and the longing of people looking for social connection. (Source: Sohu)