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Abstract

This study aims to understand the experiences of Generation Z individuals who experience loneliness in utilizing Chat AI to fulfill their need for someone to talk to within a socio-emotional context. The study employed a qualitative approach using a phenomenological method involving six Generation Z participants aged 18 to 25 who had used Chat AI for emotional sharing or venting. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis yielded six main themes: the dynamics of Generation Z social interactions, experiences of loneliness in social life, patterns of Chat AI usage, Chat AI as a confidant, barriers to social support, and the role of family and past experiences. The findings indicate that although participants reported relatively high levels of social interaction, the relationships formed tended to be superficial and insufficient in providing emotional closeness. Difficulties in self-disclosure, unsupportive family and social relationships, and concerns about social judgment contributed to the emergence of emotional loneliness. In this context, Chat AI was perceived as a safe space that offers emotional validation, anonymity, rapid responses, and a non-judgmental stance, which helped participants feel heard and understood. However, Chat AI was also perceived to have limitations, particularly in providing deep empathy and context-sensitive problem-solving. This study concludes that Chat AI functions as a short-term emotional coping strategy for lonely Generation Z individuals, but it cannot fully replace the role of human interpersonal relationships.

Bahasa Abstract

Penelitian ini bertujuan memahami pengalaman Generasi Z yang mengalami kesepian dalam memanfaatkan Chat AI sebagai pemenuhan kebutuhan someone to talk pada konteks sosial emosional. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode fenomenologi terhadap enam partisipan Generasi Z berusia 18 hingga 25 tahun yang pernah menggunakan Chat AI untuk curhat. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara semi terstruktur dan dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik. Analisis tematik menghasilkan enam tema utama, yaitu dinamika interaksi sosial Generasi Z, pengalaman kesepian dalam kehidupan sosial, pola penggunaan Chat AI, Chat AI sebagai teman curhat, hambatan dukungan sosial, serta peran keluarga dan pengalaman masa lalu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa meskipun partisipan memiliki intensitas interaksi sosial yang cukup tinggi, hubungan yang terjalin cenderung bersifat permukaan dan kurang memberikan kedekatan emosional. Hambatan dalam membuka diri, pengalaman relasi keluarga dan sosial yang kurang suportif, serta kekhawatiran akan penilaian sosial mendorong munculnya kesepian emosional. Dalam kondisi tersebut, Chat AI dimaknai sebagai ruang aman yang menawarkan validasi emosional, anonimitas, respons cepat, dan sikap tidak menghakimi, sehingga membantu partisipan merasa didengar dan dipahami. Namun, Chat AI juga dipersepsikan memiliki keterbatasan dalam empati mendalam dan penyelesaian masalah yang kontekstual. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa Chat AI berfungsi sebagai strategi koping emosional jangka pendek bagi Generasi Z yang kesepian, tetapi tidak dapat menggantikan peran hubungan interpersonal manusia secara utuh.

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