Artificial intelligence has stepped into Kiwis’ personal lives, with one in three New Zealanders saying they would turn to ChatGPT or another AI tool for life advice instead of a professional therapist.
New research conducted by Samsung New Zealand on the back of the launch of their new Galaxy Z Foldables revealed that AI has increasingly become a confidant, with nearly half of Kiwis seeking advice from AI on matters they would normally ask a family member, friend, or therapist, and an overwhelming majority finding that advice helpful.
Relationship and marriage guidance is also on the rise, with a third using AI for this purpose. When it comes to using AI for personal advice, the key reasons for this shift include saving money, easier accessibility, and avoiding the discomfort of speaking to a real therapist.
However, this growing reliance on AI comes with a note of caution. While many are embracing AI advice, 23 percent of respondents admitted they do not fully trust the responses they receive. Over half also said that their trust depends on how carefully they phrase their questions or prompts.
Public sentiment is evolving, with 61 percent of respondents saying their opinions on AI have changed after learning more about it. Notably, one in ten now consider themselves completely reliant on AI for daily life, and over a third describe using it as ‘addictive’.
While there is a perceived caution with AI, the role of confidant mirrors a surprising number of Kiwis who don’t have a single close friend, and nearly half have just two to three close friends. Even among those with strong social circles, certain topics remain off-limits.
Many respondents said they would discuss sensitive issues such as sex life, finance and mental health with ChatGPT, Gemini, or another AI tool. Nearly one in ten Kiwis now ask AI the questions they once reserved for their parents.
Despite this growing reliance on AI, New Zealanders remain reflective about the emotional trade-off.
“Although there is a growing role for AI as a trusted, judgment-free space where Kiwis feel safer exploring sensitive or personal issues than they do in some of their human relationships, there is a tension between the convenience of digital companionship and the need for human connection,” said Ollie Brown, Consumer Insights Analyst at Samsung New Zealand.
A short time ago, much of the conversation around artificial intelligence focused on the fear that AI would replace human jobs, but now, the tide is turning. The research shows that Kiwis are feeling safer exploring AI at work, with a quarter actively using AI in their workplaces, integrating it into daily tasks that make work faster, smoother, and often more creative.
However, the risks of misuse are clear. One in ten of those caught submitting AI work as their own were fired, showing that while AI is an increasingly valuable office ally, it demands careful and ethical use.
With Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 ushering in the next era of Galaxy AI, combining foldable design with smarter, more intuitive features, it’s not surprising that AI use is on the increase.
