Work

The effects of loneliness, self-esteem, perceived risk, and perceived threat on users’ willingness to use AI chatbots

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping social relationships and actively participating in social interaction. AI chatbots such as Apple Siri, XiaoIce, and Xeva are specifically designed to foster emotional engagement and simulate close relationships with users, extending human social relationships to human-machine interactions. A survey study was conducted to examine the effects of loneliness, self-esteem, perceived risk, and perceived threat on users’ willingness to use AI chatbots from the perspective of parasocial relationship theory. The findings showed that loneliness positively affects users' willingness to use AI chatbots, while perceived risk and perceived threat negatively affect users’ willingness. Furthermore, parasocial relationships serve as a mediating mechanism in these dynamics. To enhance the quality of human-AI interactions, it is crucial to innovate AI technologies to better meet users' social needs while maintaining appropriate boundaries to foster healthy parasocial relationships.

Source: Telematics and Informatics Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.teler.2026.100291

Authors: Min Zhou, Yuxin Hu

Institution: Beijing Normal University

Language: English

Topic: AI in Service Interactions

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,790