Artificial intelligence Generation Z's New Best Friend
Tehran - BORNA - Generation Z those born between 1997 and 2012 are the first generation to grow up in a fully digital world. Now entering adulthood, they are encountering AI not as a novelty but as an integral part of daily life. From chatbots acting as academic tutors, conversation partners, and even digital therapists, the relationship between Gen Z and AI has evolved beyond functionality into something deeply personal and emotional.
AI at the Heart of Daily Life
Today’s Gen Z relies heavily on AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Snapchat My AI, Google Gemini, and Character.AI. These tools assist with schoolwork, travel planning, resume writing, language learning, and even creative writing. However, what stands out is their emotional engagement with AI teenagers are opening up to chatbots, seeking emotional advice, or turning to them for comfort and reassurance.
Why Gen Z Feels Comfortable with AI
Growing up in an always-connected world, Gen Z finds AI interfaces non-judgmental, safe, and instantly responsive. The natural language processing capabilities, 24/7 availability, and conversational tone have turned AI into a “low-maintenance companion” for many teens.
According to a Pew Research report, 64 percent of American teenagers use AI tools at least once a week for personal conversations or emotional support.
The growing popularity of personality-based chatbots like Replika and Character.AI raises questions about the blurred line between machine and human interaction. Are teens forming emotional bonds with chatbots? Some psychologists warn that replacing human relationships with artificial interactions may lead to social isolation, reduced empathy, and distorted perceptions of real-life relationships.
Opportunities: AI as a Tool for Growth
Despite concerns, AI has played a positive role in Gen Z’s education and creative development. Students use AI for personalized learning, language acquisition, and improving writing skills. In the world of content creation, AI empowers Gen Z to produce videos, podcasts, art, and music through tools like Runway, Midjourney, and Suno opportunities previous generations never had.
Concerns: Privacy, Dependence, and Emotional Reliance
As reliance on AI increases, so do concerns among experts. Key issues include: Loss of critical thinking: When AI always has the answer, will youth lose their ability to analyze and decide independently?
Emotional dependency: Teens who prefer confiding in chatbots over friends or family may struggle with forming real-world emotional connections.
Privacy risks: Do young users understand how their data is collected, stored, and used by these systems?
What the Future Holds
As advanced AI models like GPT-5, Gemini Ultra, and hyper-personalized agents continue to evolve, Gen Z’s interaction with AI will only deepen. Schools, social platforms, and even therapy services may adopt AI-based systems tailored to individual users. However, this growing dependency makes it critical to prioritize digital literacy, interpersonal communication skills, and mental well-being education.
While AI is undoubtedly becoming a powerful companion for Generation Z, it’s important to remember that these tools, no matter how sophisticated, do not possess genuine human emotions. Teaching Gen Z to engage with AI critically, healthily, and responsibly is now a shared responsibility one that falls on families, educators, policymakers, and society at large.
About the author: Fateme Moradkhani covers technology, surveillance, and AI ethics for Borna News Agency, with a focus on global cyber power and digital militarization.
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