Biography
Abha Vishwakarma is an Assistant Professor at Arka Jain University in Jamshedpur, India. She previously held school leadership and assessment roles, including Headmistress at Kerala Public School and Chief Examiner responsibilities in economics and social science. She holds a master's degree in Economics from Ranchi University and a Bachelor of Education from Indira Gandhi National Open University. A Fulbright scholar, she participated in the International Leaders in Education Program at Kent State University in 2012. Her professional recognitions include awards for educational innovation and teaching practice. She has contributed to publications on mobile learning and representations of women in film, and her poetry has appeared in print and radio media.
Conference contributions 1
AI AS A SAFE SPACE:
How Gen-Z chats with AI to cope with existential dread
This study explores how people form close relationships with artificial intelligence (AI) and why this has become increasingly common in contemporary society. Drawing on an analysis of real human–AI conversations, the researchers identify three main reasons users develop strong emotional bonds with computer-based software. First, AI can listen and is always available. Unlike friends, parents, or romantic partners, an AI does not get tired of listening, ask intrusive or irritating questions, or require emotional effort or care in return. It provides a space to speak freely without fear of judgment. Although users understand that the AI is a machine, many still engage with it as if it were human—a real person and a friend—allowing them to meet basic needs for conversation and familiarity. In a fast-paced world, people also turn to AI companions to cope with stress, work pressure, worry, anxiety, and sadness—experiences that can intensify loneliness and create a feeling of having little control in an unpredictable environment. Taken together, these findings suggest that human–AI friendship can function as a "safe zone," offering steady support and comfort through smartphones. At the same time, relying on technology for emotional relief may have downsides. Scientists caution that if AI begins to replace real human relationships, it could gradually weaken emotional resilience and harm people's relationships offline. These concerns point to a likely need for new mental health guidance and ethical standards around AI relationships.