Conversational Artificial Intelligence and Human Loneliness: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study of an Eight-Week Chatbot Interaction Program

Background. Loneliness is a prevalent public-health problem, and conversational artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used for companionship, but controlled evidence outside Western settings is scarce. Objective. To examine the effect of regular interaction with a conversational AI chatbot on loneliness and psychological well-being among lonely adults in Delhi, India, and to explore how users experienced it. Method. In an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, ۱۳۲ adults aged ۲۰–۴۵ years with UCLA Loneliness Scale scores above ۴۵ were randomized (۱:۱, concealed allocation) to eight weeks of chatbot interaction (at least ۱۵ minutes a day, five days a week) or a waitlist control; ۱۲۰ completed the posttest. Loneliness and well-being (Ryff, ۴۲-item version) were measured before and after the intervention in both groups. Fifteen participants were then interviewed, and the transcripts were analysed thematically. Results. Adjusting for pretest scores, posttest loneliness was ۱۵.۰ points lower in the intervention group (۹۵% CI [۱۲.۹, ۱۷.۱]; F(۱, ۱۱۷) = ۱۹۷.۹, p < .۰۰۱, partial η² = .۶۳); the effect remained in the intention-to-treat analysis (difference ۱۳.۵ points). After Holm correction, ۴ of the six well-being dimensions improved more than in the control group (self-acceptance, positive relations, purpose in life, personal growth), whereas autonomy and environmental mastery did not. Attachment to the chatbot correlated with loneliness reduction (r = .۳۴, ۹۵% CI [.۰۹, .۵۵]). Interviews revealed two beneficial themes (non-judgmental reflection, constant companionship) and two risk themes (illusion of intimacy, diminished motivation for human connection). Conclusions. Conversational AI may provide short-term relief from loneliness, but the emotional bond that drives the benefit also carries a risk of dependence; the unusually large effect needs replication against an active control.

کلیدواژه ها:

Conversational Artificial Intelligence ، Chatbot ، Loneliness ، Psychological Well-Being ، Technology Attachment ، Digital Mental-Health Intervention ، Mixed Methods