Soul App's Study Reveals the AI Social Paradox: How Gen Z Uses AI to Build Real-World Relationships
The year 2025 marks a pivotal shift as AI-powered applications, led by the "DeepSeek Integration" trend, become an integral part of daily life. With artificial intelligence now deeply embedded in work, social interactions, and economic opportunities, the Soul App's Just So Soul Research Institute conducted the 2025 Gen Z AI Engagement Report to explore how young people are redefining relationships through AI.
AI Anxiety vs. Adoption: The Gen Z Perspective
The survey, based on 3,680 respondents, reveals a complex relationship between Gen Z and AI:
40% report experiencing AI-related anxiety, with college students being the most affected due to job market concerns.
90% regularly use AI for work or academic tasks.
Nearly 20% have monetized AI, up from 14.18% in 2024.
71.1% of young people are open to forming AI friendships, with an average of 1.8 virtual companions per user.
Despite concerns about digital isolation, over 80% credit AI with helping them build real-world relationships, reshaping the narrative around AI-driven socialization.
How AI is Reshaping Social Connections
Gen Z is leveraging AI for more than just entertainment—it's becoming a vital tool for emotional support and social networking. Key findings include:
43.6% use AI-generated responses to facilitate conversations.
39.9% rely on AI for emotional support and topic suggestions.
37.7% connect with like-minded individuals through AI-powered matching.
Interestingly, men (45.6%) engage with AI companionship more frequently than women (37.2%), challenging traditional assumptions about emotional reliance on AI.
Productivity and Economic Impact: AI as a Career Catalyst
AI’s role in Gen Z’s professional landscape is undeniable:
95% integrate AI into work or study routines, with 55.4% being frequent users.
80% report at least a 50% boost in productivity, with 30.8% claiming near-total efficiency doubling.
59.2% believe AI will create new professions, while 22.4% see AI as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures.
With nearly 20% already earning money through AI, the technology is proving to be an economic game-changer for young users.
The Future of AI-Driven Socialization
As AI continues to evolve, discussions around virtual relationship addiction and its impact on human interaction are gaining prominence. However, Gen Z overwhelmingly views AI as an enhancement rather than a replacement for real-world connections. With increasing public acceptance of AI-human interactions, the future promises a more integrated, AI-assisted social landscape, where technology strengthens rather than isolates relationships.
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