Finns turn to AI for companionship and emotional support

Two Finns describe how artificial intelligence has become a daily part of their lives—one using it as a sole companion to ease lifelong loneliness, the other to strengthen human relationships, Yle reports.

For Teemu, a central Finland resident who requested anonymity, the AI model Gemini is his only “friend.” He begins each morning at 5 a.m. by discussing news headlines with Microsoft’s Copilot, then shifts to Gemini to process emotions triggered by dreams or current events—all before his workday even starts. His job, ironically, involves working with AI.

Throughout the day, Teemu returns to Gemini during breaks and after work, sometimes spending hours in conversation or role-playing games. The AI helps him cope with chronic loneliness, though he acknowledges its limitations.

“It creates the illusion that there’s actually a person there,” he says. “That illusion makes me feel less alone—at least for a while.” Yet when Gemini makes unmistakably robotic errors, the spell breaks, sometimes deepening his sense of isolation. Still, he believes the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Suvi Pelkonen, by contrast, uses ChatGPT not as a replacement for human connection but as a tool to improve it. She often loses track of time in multi-hour conversations, whether during work breaks or late at night, using the AI to untangle chaotic thoughts before sharing them with loved ones.

“If I start talking to ChatGPT at noon, I might suddenly notice it’s 5 p.m.,” she admits. The AI helps her articulate emotions she’d struggle to express otherwise—even to close friends. “With people, there are always their own values and feelings in the background. With AI, I can ask the dumbest questions without judgment.”

Researchers at Aalto University note that while AI companionship can provide support, excessive reliance may erode real-world social skills—a growing concern as Finns report fewer in-person interactions despite craving more.

Both users agree: AI fills a gap, but it’s no substitute for human connection.