Older Japanese women prefer AI for venting about personal issues

Tokyo (ANTARA) - A recent survey in Japan found that nearly half of elderly women in the country prefer artificial intelligence (AI) over humans when seeking advice on interpersonal conflicts. The proportion is the highest among age groups, who generally still prefer to consult with humans.

According to a survey by the Japan Institute for Promotion of Digital Economy and Community conducted online in mid-January, 47.8 percent of respondents aged 60 to 70 who are women chose AI when asked whether they would rather consult with a human or AI about issues in interpersonal relationships. That figure was higher than the 37.3 percent of respondents in the same age group who preferred consulting a human.

Overall, the results show 45.8 percent of respondents chose humans and 36.5 percent chose AI when seeking unbiased and objective advice on interpersonal issues. Meanwhile, 17.7 percent of respondents did not know or did not want to choose one option.

Among male respondents aged 60 to 70, 57 percent preferred consulting with humans, while 25.2 percent chose AI.

Associate Professor Atsushi Nakagomi of Chiba University, who studies intersections between AI and human health, said he was surprised that elderly women were more inclined to choose AI. He added, “AI makes people feel more comfortable opening up because they can seek advice without worrying about how their comments will be perceived.”

The online survey collected valid responses from 1,449 people aged 18 to 79 living in Japan.

Source: Kyodo-OANA