Gen Z is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to the fullest and integrating technology into every aspect of their life. It is now a crucial component of completing tasks, from creating diet and exercise plans to applying for jobs and employing AI teachers. According to a First Saturday Lime survey, there is a rising trend among younger generations. It shows that Millennials and Gen Z are seeking comfort in AI which is often more satisfactorily provided than pets. The survey consisted of 1,000 Americans from different age groups and highlighted several findings.
About 11% of the Millennial respondents and 10% of the Gen Z respondents said they would choose an AI companion over a conventional pet such as a dog or a cat. Out of the respondents who use AI as an emotional companion, 18% said it is better than conventional pets.
Several personal accounts illustrate the practical applications of AI in enhancing emotional support:
A 23-year-old ChatGPT user, Alexander Zhadan, procured the software to sift through thousands of Tinder profiles, and he even found a successful relationship.
Megan Riehl, a bride from New York, used the DALL-E image generator and was able to produce wedding invitations which she could not otherwise afford to pay a professional artist to produce.
Despite the rising popularity of AI companions, traditional emotional support animals (ESAs) still hold significant value:
Dogs are more popular with the Gen Z generation, with respondents being 133% more likely to use dogs than cats in coping with stress and anxiety.
Notably, young generations have considered chickens as emotional support animals. 19% of Millennials and 18% of Gen Z have responded that they like chickens for their comfort and for their practical abilities such as laying eggs.
The integration of AI into emotional support systems raises intriguing questions about the future of companionship:
Researchers at the University of Texas are in the process of creating new chatbots that would help mothers with postpartum depression. Some of these chatbots are designed to be able to address particular emotional requirements.
Research reveals that there is a possibility of using AI to provide empathy and validation in the best way. AI systems do not get side-tracked by elements of bias or get involved with emotions because their intent is solely to analyse the language and tone to infer emotions.
Jana McDaniel, CFO of First Saturday Lime, said that, although chickens are not service animals, they can relieve stress, provide comfort and help their owners relax. She said that they are not aggressive and all of them have different looks that help in soothing the nerves and keeping the emotions in check.
McDaniel also said that chickens as pets are not very demanding, and therefore a suitable choice for people who want a non-traditional therapy animal, which can also provide actual help in the form of eggs.
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