May 28, 2026 (News On Japan) - As consultations with generative AI attract growing attention, people on the streets were asked whether they had ever used AI for personal advice or emotional support, revealing a wide range of opinions and experiences.
Shinobu Nakatani, a news presenter, said viewers had responded to a LINE survey, with 273 participants taking part.
When respondents were asked what kinds of issues they discuss with AI, many said they turn to it when feeling frustrated over human relationships, sometimes using it simply to vent their feelings. Others said they ask for travel planning suggestions, while some seek ideas for recipes using leftover ingredients.
There were also people who used AI for career-change advice.
Some respondents said they speak with AI late at night when they wake up feeling lonely and want someone to talk to. Others said they consult it about dieting and romantic relationships, highlighting how widely AI is now being used in everyday life.
According to survey data from Japan’s Cabinet Office, nearly 70% of teenagers, regardless of gender, use AI services, while usage among people in their 60s and even those aged 70 and older was close to 50%.
Respondents were also asked about positive and negative experiences they had while consulting AI.
Among the positive responses were comments such as:
"It praises me no matter what I say and stays supportive."
"It gave me useful advice when replacing home appliances."
"I was able to let out dark feelings I could not tell anyone else."
"When deciding dinner, everyone says 'anything is fine,' but AI is the only one willing to help."
The responses suggested that, for some people, AI has become a form of emotional support.
At the same time, users also shared stories of failure.
One respondent said they checked a train route with AI and went to the station, only to discover the train service had been suspended because the latest information had not been reflected.
Another said AI recommended a restaurant with a children’s play area, but no such space existed when they visited.
One person said an apology message generated by AI was used internally at work, only for colleagues to point out, "This was written by AI, wasn’t it?"
Another respondent said they lost money on investments after relying on AI-generated information about overseas economic growth.
Experts also warned about the risks of relying too heavily on AI.
Isao Echizen, a professor at the National Institute of Informatics, said AI responses can vary significantly depending on how questions are phrased or even on subtle differences in wording. Because AI cannot fully understand a user’s personal background or situation, it may produce unintended answers.
Echizen added that AI systems are designed to provide responses that appear empathetic and supportive, making it important not to accept information at face value and to maintain the habit of verifying facts independently.
The growing popularity of AI as a source of advice is prompting renewed discussion about how people should use the technology responsibly.
Source: YOMIURI
