From Tool Usage to Emotional Dependence: A Paradigm Shift  in Youth Spiritual Interaction Driven by Artificial Intelligence

Jiang Nan, Xiang Hua

doi:10.64649/yh.fss.2025040001

From Tool Usage to Emotional Dependence: A Paradigm Shift in Youth Spiritual Interaction Driven by Artificial Intelligence

期刊: 《Frontiers of social sciences》 DOI:10.64649/yh.fss.2025040001 PDF下载

Jiang Nan, Xiang Hua

Zhejiang Open University, School of Marxism

摘要

As artificial intelligence technology deeply permeates social interactions, entertainment, and information dissemination, the ways young people engage emotionally are undergoing profound transformation. Focusing on youth as the research subject, this study examines the paradigm shift in their relationship with AI—from “tool usage” to “emotional dependence.” By analyzing the characteristic differences between these two phases, the driving factors of the transformation, and its dual impacts, it explores the mechanisms through which this shift influences young people's emotional worlds and social interactions. Research findings indicate that the human-like evolution of AI technology, the diversification of young people's emotional needs, and the widespread adoption of digital living scenarios collectively propel this shift. While this transformation provides young people with low-cost emotional anchors and communication channels, it also carries risks such as weakened real-world social skills and distorted emotional cognition. Finally, this paper proposes guiding strategies from three dimensions—individual, technological, and societal—aiming to foster healthy interactions between young people and AI, thereby promoting the positive development of their spiritual communication.

关键词

Artificial Intelligence; Youth Population; Spiritual Interaction; Emotional Dependence; Paradigm Shift

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