Artificial intelligence is quietly transforming not only the workplace — but also how people seek advice, comfort, and understanding.
According to a new survey by the digital industry association Bitkom, nearly four in ten Germans (39%) say they would rather ask an AI voice assistant for advice than turn to friends or family, at least in certain situations.
Spoken without judgment, available 24/7, and always patient — for many users, digital assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or ChatGPT have become trusted companions.
Younger users lead the way
The openness toward AI-based “relationships” is particularly strong among the young.
More than half of respondents aged 16 to 29 (51%) said they are more comfortable seeking advice from an AI than from people they know. In contrast, only 29% of those aged 65 and older share that view.
Interestingly, 18% of all Germans can imagine forming a friendly relationship with an AI assistant — a figure that climbs to 24% among 30- to 49-year-olds.
Men appear slightly more open to the idea than women, according to the survey.
At work, trust shifts to machines
The trend extends far beyond personal life. A separate study by the job platform Resume Now found that 97% of employees prefer asking AI tools such as ChatGPT for guidance instead of turning to their supervisors.
About 37% said they don’t trust their managers’ judgment, and 72% even believe ChatGPT gives better and more useful advice.
Seven in ten workers felt the AI understands their professional challenges better than their bosses, and almost half (49%) said the chatbot offers greater emotional support.
Why people turn to AI: Loneliness and fear of judgment
Experts believe the growing reliance on digital companions reflects broader social dynamics.
Feelings of isolation and loneliness have become increasingly common — a phenomenon now referred to by researchers as the “loneliness epidemic.”
In Germany, a government-backed “Loneliness Barometer” presented by former Family Minister Lisa Paus revealed that both younger and older citizens report high levels of social isolation.
According to Bitkom’s data, 27% of respondents believe AI bots could help alleviate loneliness, at least to some extent.
Fear also plays a role — especially in the workplace. Many employees worry about being judged for asking “stupid questions,” while AI tools offer a safe, judgment-free space to seek help and feedback.
AI companions – empathetic but not human
“Voice assistants are evolving into personal companions,” explains Sebastian Klöß, consumer technology expert at Bitkom.
“They understand us better, respond more individually, and can even create a sense of closeness through natural language.”
However, Klöß warns that chatbots cannot replace real human friendships. While they may seem empathetic, their understanding remains programmed — not emotional.
A digital comfort zone, not a substitute for connection
While tech giants like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg once claimed AI could help combat loneliness — a statement met with skepticism at the time — recent data suggest he might not have been entirely wrong.
Still, experts stress that while AI can support mental well-being, it should complement, not replace genuine human connection.
As the line between technology and emotion blurs, the challenge will be ensuring that AI empowers social bonds rather than quietly eroding them.
