Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between friendship and the use of AI companions. Participants (N=136) completed an online survey that included questions from four questionnaires: Perceptions of Companion AI Impacts (PCI), which was developed for the purpose of this study, Lubben Social Network Scale -Revised (Lubben, 1988), Self Disclosure Scale (Augustine & Essel, 2024), and Openness to Use AI Companion, which was also created for the use of this study. Through these tests, the researchers aimed to measure the perceived risks and benefits associated with AI companion use, as well as social belongingness, willingness to self-disclose to an AI companion, and openness to use an AI companion. After measuring each of these items, it was determined that this measure provided a baseline for future research, as well as indicated significant correlations between strong social connectedness and perceived risks of AI companion use.
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Stephanie Weigel
Department/Program
Psychology
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
4-12-2026
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Hober, Victoria L. and Nelson, Chloe
(2026)
"Experiences of Friendships and Artificial Intelligence,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 99.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/99
