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Abstract

Objectives. This study aims to explore the factors underlying the use of GenAI as a storytelling companion among young adults. Method. A qualitative approach was employed within an interpretivist paradigm, using an open-ended questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. A total of 412 participants aged 19–33 years were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using data-driven thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. Results. Two major themes emerged: Driving Factors and Barriers to Continuing Interaction. Each theme comprised four sub-themes organized around cognitive, affective, instrumental, and social dimensions, yielding 26 sub-themes in total. Driving factors were predominantly affective in nature, with emotional validation, comfort, and emotional regulation emerging as central motivations. Barriers were predominantly instrumental, including system limitations, prompt dependency, and privacy concerns. Conclusion. The use of GenAI as a storytelling companion among young adults is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon. While GenAI is perceived as a psychologically safe and accessible space for emotional expression, it remains a complementary rather than substitutive alternative to human relationships. These findings extend existing understandings of GenAI adoption by highlighting its psychosocial dimensions beyond functional utility.

Bahasa Abstract

Tujuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi faktor-faktor yang mendasari penggunaan GenAI sebagai pendamping bercerita di kalangan dewasa muda. Metode. Pendekatan kualitatif diterapkan dalam paradigma interpretatif, dengan menggunakan kuesioner terbuka sebagai instrumen utama pengumpulan data. Sebanyak 412 peserta berusia 19–33 tahun direkrut melalui pengambilan sampel purposif. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik berbasis data berdasarkan kerangka kerja enam fase Braun dan Clarke. Hasil. Terdapat dua tema utama yang muncul: Faktor Pendorong dan Faktor Penghambat dalam Melanjutkan Interaksi. Setiap tema terdiri dari empat sub-tema yang disusun berdasarkan dimensi kognitif, afektif, instrumental, dan sosial, sehingga menghasilkan total 26 sub-tema. Faktor pendorong sebagian besar bersifat afektif, dengan validasi emosional, kenyamanan, dan regulasi emosi muncul sebagai motivasi utama. Faktor Penghambat sebagian besar bersifat instrumental, termasuk keterbatasan sistem, ketergantungan pada prompt, dan kekhawatiran terkait privasi. Kesimpulan. Penggunaan GenAI sebagai pendamping bercerita di kalangan dewasa muda merupakan fenomena yang kompleks dan multidimensi. Meskipun GenAI dipandang sebagai ruang yang aman secara psikologis dan mudah diakses untuk ekspresi emosional, GenAI tetap menjadi alternatif yang bersifat pelengkap, bukan pengganti, bagi hubungan antar manusia. Temuan ini memperluas pemahaman yang ada mengenai adopsi GenAI dengan menyoroti dimensi psikososialnya diluar kegunaan fungsional.

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Ethical Clearance Declaration

Reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University (approval date: December 10, 2025, number: 1076/UN4.6.4.5.31/PP36/4645).

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