Artificial intelligence is becoming more than just a tool to ask your silly questions or to help you write a professional email at work. For New Zealanders, it’s becoming part of their personal lives too.
New research from Samsung New Zealand reckons one in three of us (35%) would turn to ChatGPT or a similar AI tool for life advice rather than chat to a professional therapist.
Almost half of Kiwis (45%) admitted they’ve already thrown questions at AI they’d normally save for their mates, whānau, or even a counsellor - and surprisingly, the majority (93%) found the advice actually helpful.
Turns out relationship chat is popular too, with nearly a third (30%) using AI for relationship concerns, and those tricky to navigate questions.
Other topics Kiwis are asking AI advice for are:
Career advice (46%)
Finance (44%)
Fitness and wellness (43%)
Medical advice (42%)
Mental health support (37%)
Reasons why people are turning to a tech-apist (yes, I did just make that up) include the obvious - saving money (43%) and convenience (35%) - as well as one that Gen-Zs like me will relate to: The comfort of not having to open up to a real therapist (17%).
We can barely call the doctors ourselves…
Though there is some hesitation still. Nearly a quarter of Kiwis (23%) aren’t totally sold on getting personal with AI and trusting its responses. More than half (54%) said how much they trust AI depends on how carefully they phrase their questions.
“AI adoption in New Zealand is accelerating, but it comes with careful reflection on both its benefits and its risks,” said Samsung NZ Consumer Insights Analyst, Ollie Brown.
Trust often comes down to a balance of curiosity, value, and caution.
The survey also found that more than three-quarters (77%) of Kiwis believe AI should be regulated, and two-thirds expect there will come a time when its power could pose a real concern.
Maybe that’ll be when it knows too many of our secrets.
For now, though, AI is becoming a digital therapist many Kiwis are turning to when they need advice.
