An Empirical Study on the Impact of Interactions with Generative AI on Social Isolation and Well-being

Social isolation has become an increasingly serious issue worldwide. With the rapid spread of generative AI systems—such as ChatGPT—conversational interactions with AI are emerging as a new kind of social contact. These interactions hold two contrasting possibilities: they may help compensate for social isolation, while there is also concern that they may unintentionally deepen isoloation.

In Japan, communication robots have historically functioned not only as conversation partners but also as *social intermediaries* that promote user-to-user interaction and broader social participation. This unique cultural foundation provides valuable insights that can be applied to the design and use of generative AI technologies in global scale beyond Japan.