AI Companionship? Not as Common as You Think, Says New Report

06/26/2025 AI

It seems like everywhere you look, there's buzz about people forming connections with AI chatbots. You might even think that everyone's turning to these bots for emotional support. However, a recent report from Anthropic, the folks behind Claude, paints a different picture.

Instead of being a digital companion, it turns out most people are using Claude for things like content creation and work-related tasks. I found it surprising to learn that only a small fraction of users—around 2.9%—seek emotional support or personal advice from the chatbot. In fact, companionship and roleplay combined make up less than 0.5% of conversations!

What Are People Actually Talking About?

Anthropic dug into 4.5 million conversations on Claude Free and Pro. The study revealed that the vast majority of interactions revolve around productivity and work. However, it's not all business. People do turn to Claude for advice on things like mental health, personal growth, and even improving their communication skills.

Interestingly, Anthropic noticed that some coaching or advice sessions evolve into companionship-seeking. This often happens when users are dealing with emotional distress or feeling lonely. It's a reminder that we're all human, and sometimes a friendly ear, even if it's a digital one, can make a difference. These extended chats, though, are not the norm.

One cool thing? The study found that conversations tend to become more positive as people seek advice from Claude. So, while it's not a replacement for human interaction, it seems it can have a positive influence.

Look, AI chatbots are still a work in progress. We can't forget that they're prone to errors, and even Anthropic admits they can sometimes go off the rails. So, while it's interesting to see how people are using them, it's crucial to remember that AI is not a substitute for real human connection.