Chatbots and Loneliness: How Linguistic Dynamics in Conversations with Chatbots Shape Young Adults’ Loneliness
Published online on July 11, 2026
Abstract
Communication Research, Ahead of Print.
This study theorizes and tests language-based mechanisms through which conversations with chatbots can shape users’ loneliness. Lonely college students (N= 96) engaged in emotionally meaningful conversations with the chatbot Replika daily for one week. ...
This study theorizes and tests language-based mechanisms through which conversations with chatbots can shape users’ loneliness. Lonely college students (N= 96) engaged in emotionally meaningful conversations with the chatbot Replika daily for one week. ...