Open access
Jul 2026
AI Chatbots vs Human Friends: Examining Student Preferences for Emotional Support
The study suggests that AI chatbots work best as a complement to human relationships rather than a substitute for them, in which AI helps with day-to-day emotional regulation while human friendships continue to anchor deeper emotional connection and stability.
Urvashi Chhabra Urvashi Chhabra
· International Journal of Cre... · 0 citations