SINGAPORE, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Most artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot users in Singapore rely on the technology primarily for practical and informational purposes rather than social or emotional needs, a new survey has found, suggesting that in-person friendships remain resilient in the digital age.
More than 60 percent of respondents said they use AI chatbots, according to the survey released on Tuesday by the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore. The survey found that 81.2 percent use chatbots to search for information, reviews or recommendations, while 61 percent cited help with school or work tasks.
The survey, which focused on friendships in the digital age, polled 3,713 people aged 21 and above between October and November 2025.
By contrast, only 11.8 percent said they engage in casual conversation with AI chatbots, and about 10 percent reported seeking emotional support or mental health assistance.
Most respondents expressed caution toward the technology. More than 92 percent said people need to exercise greater care when using AI chatbots, while 87.3 percent agreed that chatbots can share misleading information.
More than seven in 10 respondents felt that AI chatbots create unrealistic expectations about relationships, make it harder to form connections, and reduce the likelihood of seeking help from real people.
The study also found that in-person friendships remain strong, with many respondents saying they first met all of their close friends face-to-face. ■