Amid growing concerns surrounding social isolation among older adults, AI chatbots have emerged as promising tools for providing digital companionship. While the intersection of aging and technology has been widely explored, there remains a gap in understanding the nuanced ways in which AI chatbots function as relational partners in older adults' daily lives.
Objectives
This study aimed to examine the roles of the AI chatbot in fostering digital companionship for adults in later life.
Methods
Drawing on a qualitative research design, the study conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with individuals in later life who regularly engaged with AI chatbots. Thematic analysis method was used to synthesize the qualitative data.
Results
Participants described the AI chatbot as multifaceted relational agents-occupying roles such as human-like companions, supportive teachers, specialized consultants, practical assistants, and entertainment facilitators. These interactions were reported to support emotional well-being, enhance cognitive engagement, and promote a sense of self-efficacy in daily living.
Conclusions
The findings illuminate the profound and diverse ways in which AI chatbots are integrated into the everyday lives of older users, extending far beyond utilitarian functions. As conversational AI continues to advance, designers and policymakers should acknowledge its potential to support aging in place by fostering connection, engagement, and autonomy among older populations.
This study concludes that the evolution of human–AI communication represents the emergence of new digital communication practices that expand the role of AI from a mere technological tool to an agent participating in users’ communication experiences.
Faza An’imah, Fitriana Ulya, Luluk Ridotuljana et al.· International journal of res...· 0 citations
While ChatGPT was primarily viewed as an efficient tool in a work context, the quantitative survey reveals a weakly significant correlation between psychological stress and openness toward the social-emotional use of chatbots.
Stefanie Osetrow, H. Klapperich, Dr. Alina Huldtgren· Proceedings of Mensch und Co...· 0 citations
Abstract Background and Objectives Despite emerging evidence showing that older adults have begun engaging social chatbots for companionship in recent years, little is known about the factors influencing their adoption decisions. We developed an age-friendly social chatbot and examined older adults’ intention to use it by integrating the Senior Technology Acceptance Model (STAM) with sociorelational factors relevant to human–artificial intelligence (AI) interaction. Research Design and Methods A final sample of 140 community-dwelling older adults interacted with the chatbot for approximately 20 min and then completed questionnaires assessing their attitudes toward the chatbot, perceptions of the chatbot, and their intention to use it in daily life. Results Higher control belief (e.g., perceived ease of use and facilitating conditions), one of the STAM factors, predicted higher intention to use the chatbot among older adults, whereas higher self-rated health predicted lower intention. Importantly, the stronger the sociorelational factors (e.g., authenticity; AI social interaction intensity), the higher the intention to use. However, higher levels of anthropomorphism of the chatbot predicted lower intention to use. Incorporating sociorelational factors into the STAM framework accounted for an additional proportion of variance, comparable to STAM factors alone. Discussion and Implications Our findings suggest that control belief, authenticity, and social interaction intensity with social chatbots are key drivers of adoption intention among older adults. Unmet needs in life may also drive chatbot engagement. However, overly human-like chatbots may deter adoption. Taken together, integrating human–AI interaction factors with the STAM framework is essential when evaluating older adults’ adoption of social chatbots.
Ka Lon Sou, W. Yow, Matthew Zhi Yuan Lau et al.· Innovation in aging· 0 citations
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
The findings informed the development of the Integrated Attachment–Motivation–Pedagogy (AMP) model with direct implications for designing AI in culturally sensitive pedagogical practices.
Saiful Islam Polash, Shariful Islam, Faimul Hoq· SAP Social AI· 0 citations