The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is the cause of both excitement and fear. Hence, the Founder of Soul, Zhang Lu, wanted to understand how people, particularly young Chinese, feel about the technology in 2025. This led to the year’s Gen Z AI Engagement Report. It was compiled by Just So Soul, the research division of the company, and was recently released.
It’s no secret that while many marvel at AI’s extraordinary abilities, there is no dearth of individuals who are scared by that very potential. And the concerns are not just about how the technology will influence the economy and the job market. Many worry that the human-like capability of AI to hold a conversation is bound to replace human connections and lead to a further disconnect, which will make people more isolated.
But is this truly the case? Well, Gen Z certainly does not think so if the responses received as part of Soul Zhang Lu’s survey are any indication. The study involved the participation of well over 3600 of the social platform’s users, and one of the questions that was posed to them was about the impact of AI on social interactions.
Zoomers were largely of the opinion that contrary to the fears about AI replacing the human element in social interactions, the technology was actually helping to build relationships, not to mention that it also has massive potential when it comes to boosting productivity and unlocking new economic opportunities.
According to the findings of Soul Zhang Lu’s survey, more than 80% of Gen Z users believe AI has helped them establish real-world relationships. The figure itself challenges the dominant stereotype that AI-driven communication leads to social detachment.
But the young respondents went a step further to destroy this misconception when they explained that AI is now being used as a bridge to facilitate connections and conversations. So, in essence, the technology is making it easier for people to connect.
Soul Zhang Lu’s researchers also observed that one of the most significant shifts in AI usage is its role in emotional support. Of the survey respondents, almost 40% said that they engage with AI for companionship. A significant number of users also admitted to interacting with AI products multiple times a day.
Furthermore, nearly 70% of those surveyed said that they were open to forming friendships with AI. That’s almost twice as many people interested in AI-human friendships compared to the data from Soul Zhang Lu’s 2024 report on the subject.
The respondents said that each of them had, on average, 1.8 AI companions. While this data is surprising at first, deeper scrutiny reveals that AI is simply filling gaps left by shifting social structures and an increasingly digital world. As far as frequency of use went, almost 21% said that they used AI-powered emotional companionship products at least once a day, while 22% said that they interact with AI chatbots several times a day.
Another surprising revelation that came from this survey was that men had a greater tendency to seek out AI friends as compared to women. The fairer sex was lagging on this front, with approximately 37% of women opting for AI-driven emotional support as compared to 45% of men who were interacting with AI chatbots.
Can social isolation due to social atomization be squarely blamed for this trend? In part, yes. But the fact is that the younger generation has warmed up to the idea of AI social companionship also because of advancements in technology’s reasoning, perception, and interaction capabilities. These allow AI-powered products to offer more natural and human-like emotional interactions and real emotional feedback and support.
So, it isn’t astonishing that nearly one-quarter of the people who responded to Soul Zhang Lu’s survey said that AI fully meets their emotional needs. Around 46% stated that the technology lives up to their requirements, at least to some extent. Only about 6% gave AI the thumbs down by saying it does not meet their needs at all.
The extent of usage of the technology has given rise to another discussion – That of addiction to such virtual relationships and interactions. But the youngsters clarified that AI is helping them to hone their human-human interaction skills, something that is the need of the hour.
For example, over 80% of those surveyed stated that AI helps them to establish real relationships. By digging deeper, Soul Zhang Lu’s team found that around 43% of the participants felt that AI-generated responses help to facilitate conversations.
A further 40% stated that the topic suggestions provided by AI, as well as the emotional support the tech can offer, aids in smoother communication. Also, about 38% stated that AI has a remarkable ability to match people with mutual interests. Through this, the technology not only supports communication but also lays the foundation for long-term relationships that feel more emotionally rewarding.
Apart from social interactions, Chinese youngsters are using AI for work and studying like everyone else across the world. As such, just as many of them are concerned about the phenomenal and rapid rise and adoption of AI. Fresh graduates, in particular, are fearful of how the technology will impact their prospects.
Having said that, the overreaching sentiment noted by Soul Zhang Lu’s researchers was that despite their trepidation, Gen Z is willing to embrace AI and prepare themselves for the technology instead of shunning it. This optimism is the key that will continue to unlock further advancements of the technology and fuel its persistent rise.
