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Explained: Why is Gen Z outsourcing relationship issues to AI?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 30 Apr 2026, 6:48pm
Close up or woman using smart phone - stock photo
Close up or woman using smart phone - stock photo

Explained: Why is Gen Z outsourcing relationship issues to AI?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 30 Apr 2026, 6:48pm

Sometimes in relationships, conversations can be difficult to carry out, and more young people are outsourcing their issues to AI.

New reports show a significant chunk of Gen Z are turning to AI to fix their interpersonal conflicts, and experts are concerned it could be stunting their emotional growth.

Therapist Jo Robertson says this technology could be useful - but it's important to also discuss these issues with an actual human being too.

"There's a touch of me that's a bit impressed, because I like that they're thinking about it, they're not just going willy-nilly, what should I say to this person? They're getting advice, they're getting input." 

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