The younger generation, who are heavily influenced by AI, is seeking assistance from chatbots even for face-to-face conversations.
I’ve certainly practiced a text message in my mind before sending it, particularly when dealing with a lengthy email filled with jargon and diplomatic phrasing. However, I have never considered delegating in-person discussions to an AI chatbot.
Apparently, an entire generation has turned over the entire dialogue to AI instead (according to The Wall Street Journal).
So, how extensive is this trend?
Niharika Abbaraju, a 20-year-old cancer researcher, utilizes ChatGPT at her job regularly, which is quite common given that it offers a wealth of valuable insights and summarized information.
Nonetheless, when she’s off the clock, it serves as her go-to conversation coach, assisting her in crafting pickup lines for dating apps, initiating discussions at parties, and even formulating immediate replies to those around her.
When a chat veers towards a book she hasn’t read, she refers to an AI summary to navigate the conversation. Interestingly, she’s not alone in this practice.
Individuals are leaning on AI for drafting replies in personal conversations
A rising number of young adults are allowing chatbots to script their messages and guide their dating experiences like a modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac, particularly those grappling with social anxiety.
However, not everyone is pleased about this. Austin personal trainer Andrea Wallace observed a friend's date suddenly texting with impeccable grammar, which is an obvious sign, in my opinion.
Northwestern student Lucas Dvorak’s girlfriend candidly expressed that using AI in their interactions felt "creepy" and devoid of romance, and he respects her feelings. Kalin Lincoln, 20, employs ChatGPT to deescalate angry emails and prepare "note cards" for difficult conversations, although she admits it has backfired on at least one occasion by giving her counterproductive advice.
What are the experts’ views on this?
Clinical psychologist Ashleigh Golden cautions that depending on AI to validate the appropriateness of your texts can subtly instill a distrust in your own instincts, which complicates matters for those already facing social anxiety.
Mental health specialists describe this trend as an “epidemic of self-mistrust,” and it’s easy to understand why. Navigating every uncomfortable situation through outsourcing doesn’t build confidence (or a sense of accountability); it merely postpones the unease you’ll ultimately have to address when a conversation takes a turn for the worse.
Relationship coach Alexandra Friedman recommends limiting AI rehearsals to once a week, using a chatbot for ideas on what to say, rather than for guidance on how to express it.
I don't advocate for having emotional discussions with a chatbot.
As I noted before, I don’t delegate personal conversations to a chatbot; it doesn’t matter how effectively it can craft a joke related to a topic or how quickly it can come up with a clever comeback. Yet, I know several individuals who rely on ChatGPT and similar chatbots for emotional support or therapy.
They claim it saves them time and money, but I’ve personally urged them not to rely on chatbots for matters of the heart. There have been instances where AI interactions have led to a decline in mental health and even self-harm.
If someone you know engages in this practice regularly, it may be wise to share research or news articles with them as a cautionary measure.
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The younger generation, who are heavily influenced by AI, is seeking assistance from chatbots even for face-to-face conversations.
Generation Z is increasingly relying on AI chatbots to manage dating, texting, and even in-person interactions, a trend that experts caution could gradually undermine self-confidence.