On the train home, a young employee next to me was typing away on their phone for quite a while. A quick glance revealed that they were not talking to a person, but to an AI chatbot.

I thought they were asking about work, but the message on the screen was about feeling a bit worn out lately. I awkwardly turned my gaze out the window.

That evening, I happened to see the results of a related survey. It stated that 27% of American adult internet users have engaged in emotional or social conversations with AI.

The survey was conducted by Elon University's Digital Future Center in collaboration with The Washington Post. They asked 4,268 adults through YouGov from May 18 to 22 this year.

The conversations referred to here are not just simple searches. They encompass uses like seeking advice on worries, discussing life issues, practicing relationship scenarios, and having someone to talk to when feeling lonely.

Honestly, I was a bit surprised by the numbers. If more than one in four people are doing this, it means there are quite a few in any given office floor.

There was also a clear age difference. Nearly 40% of those under 50 use AI in this way, which is more than double the rate of older generations.

The researchers further selected 1,000 people who use AI in this manner to ask more detailed questions. The results were even more interesting.

Among them, 31% considered the chatbot a friend. 15% said the relationship was more complicated than just friendship.

39% admitted to sharing things with AI that they wouldn't share with others. The term "confiding" is not an exaggeration in this case.

59% agreed that AI provides them with the support they need. 38% said they talk to AI to feel less lonely.

Frequency of use was also related. Among those who use AI daily, 66% used it for companionship, while 49% of those who use it a few times a week did the same.

The range of uses was broader than expected. The most common topics were health and lifestyle advice, with many also asking AI about financial issues and family matters.

However, not everyone views this positively. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center at the end of June asked 3,488 people, and the mood was quite different.

When asked if relying on chatbots due to loneliness was helpful, 39% said it was harmful, while only 19% said it was helpful. The same sentiment was expressed regarding feelings of depression or stress.

What was surprising was the response from younger people. Among those aged 18 to 29, 49% felt that using chatbots for loneliness was harmful, more than double the 23% who found it helpful. The generation that uses it the most is also the most cautious.

Interestingly, Asian respondents were the only group that leaned positively in their responses. This includes our Korean community, so it's not just someone else's issue.

Thinking about it, it makes sense. There aren't many people in immigrant life with whom you can comfortably share your thoughts.

With people you meet at church or the Korean community, there's a sense of face to maintain, and with coworkers, there are language and cultural barriers. It's not easy to make a phone call to friends in Korea due to time differences.

In that gap, it's natural to be drawn to someone who listens without complaint, even late at night. They don't judge or get bored, and they won't show annoyance if you repeat the same story three times.

However, I want to take a step back and look at this. Listening and being present are two different things.

AI is good at providing affirmations. But friends sometimes tell you things you don't want to hear. I believe that's the strength of long-lasting relationships.

Moreover, AI doesn't know the circumstances I haven't mentioned. It only knows what I input and responds accordingly.

There are also privacy concerns. Sharing things you wouldn't tell others means that information is likely stored somewhere on the company's servers.

So here's my thought: while it can be a useful tool for organizing my thoughts, I won't let it replace conversations between people.

I also sometimes delegate complex paperwork or scheduling to AI. It's definitely convenient.

But on heavy days, I call a friend who plays golf. Using the excuse of a round of golf, we meet and chat about various things, which lightens my mood.

If you've been confiding only in AI lately, I encourage you to share one of those stories with someone close to you. They'll likely be more receptive than you expect.

And if you're going through a really tough time, it's best to seek a professional counselor rather than a chatbot. The 988 crisis hotline is open 24/7.

The researchers leading this survey also mentioned that this is the first observation of a new type of relationship. It will be interesting to see how the numbers change in the future.

I hope that the employee who got off the train that day has had lunch with a colleague today. Even as technology advances, there should ultimately be people by our side.