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Nearly half of older women in Japan would rather turn to artificial intelligence than another person when seeking advice on relationship-related concerns, according to a recent survey that points to changing attitudes toward AI-based companionship and counseling.
The online survey, conducted by the Japan Institute for Promotion of Digital Economy and Community, found that 47.8% of female respondents in their 60s and 70s said they would prefer asking AI for guidance on interpersonal issues, Kyodo News reported.
By comparison, 37.3% of women in the same age group said they would rather speak with another person.
While human advice remained the preferred option overall across all age groups and genders, the findings stood out among older women, whose responses suggested a stronger openness to AI tools in emotionally sensitive situations.
Across the full survey group, 45.8% of respondents said they favored advice from people, while 36.5% preferred AI. Those who chose AI pointed to its perceived objectivity and lack of bias as reasons for turning to technology rather than another person.
Atsushi Nakagomi, a Chiba University researcher specializing in AI and human health, said the results among older women were unexpected.
“AI makes people feel more comfortable about opening up, as they might feel free to seek advice without worrying about how their comments will be perceived,” he said.
The survey also showed a clear gender difference among elderly respondents. Among older men, 57% said they would prefer consulting another person, while 25.2% said they would turn to AI.
The results suggest that while people remain the more common source of advice in Japan overall, AI is increasingly being viewed as a practical alternative by some groups, particularly when the issue involves personal relationships.
The survey was carried out online in mid-January and gathered responses from 1,449 people aged 18 to 79 across Japan.
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