DIGITAL ATTACHMENT TO AI COMPANIONS AND LONELINESS IN YOUNG ADULTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EMOTIONAL DEPENDENCY
Keywords:
AI Companions, Digital Attachment, Emotional Dependency, Loneliness, Young AdultsAbstract
This study looked into how young adults in Pakistan connect emotionally with AI companions and how that relates to feelings of loneliness. Emotional dependency was considered a key factor in this connection. We surveyed 200 young adults aged 18 to 30 from urban areas using convenience sampling. We used standard tools like the Digital Attachment to AI Scale (adapted), the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), and the Emotional Dependency on Technology Scale. The results showed a strong positive link between being emotionally attached to AI companions and feeling lonely (r = .39, p < .01). Emotional dependency was also closely linked to both digital attachment and loneliness. When we looked at how well digital attachment predicted loneliness, it came out as a significant factor. Further analysis showed that emotional dependency partly explained this link (R² = .36). The findings suggest that while AI companions might offer some emotional comfort, relying too much on them can make loneliness worse by reducing real-life social interactions. The study also talks about the need for better ways to manage technology use and mental health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Faqeha-tul-Jannat, Dr. Arooj Zahra Rizvi (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
