Loneliness has a way of creeping into daily life especially for young adults navigating post school years. Paisley a twenty three year old from the United Kingdom found himself in that exact situation after finishing his education. Rather than heading to university he started a job that let him work from home full time. Feeling disconnected from people around him he turned to ChatGPT for conversations and guidance hoping the artificial intelligence could fill the void.
At first the chatbot seemed like the perfect solution. Paisley could share his deepest frustrations about his unsatisfying job and overall life without any fear of judgment. The AI always responded promptly offering thoughtful advice or just a sympathetic ear. Soon he found himself engaging with it up to eight times a day during his toughest moments seeking not just help but companionship.
Over time the habit revealed its downsides. Paisley noticed that venting to the robot did not actually resolve his underlying issues. He began to feel an increasing sense of emptiness realizing he was pouring his heart out to lines of code instead of real human beings. This awareness hit him hard and made him understand that relying on technology was pushing him further into isolation rather than pulling him out.
His personal account features prominently in the documentary called ‘Generation Lonely’. This film directed by Tegan Marlow examines how many young people in Britain struggle to form genuine relationships in our digital age. It highlights the role of social media and artificial intelligence in both easing and exacerbating feelings of solitude. Producer Sam Tullen who is only twenty two years old strongly related to Paisley’s experiences.
Tullen grew up during the global pandemic which brought unique challenges for his generation. He points out that many in their early twenties can identify with turning to digital tools for connection when face to face interactions became limited. According to official statistics from Britain around thirty three percent of individuals aged sixteen to twenty nine report feeling lonely. This makes Generation Z one of the most affected groups when it comes to social isolation.
Artificial intelligence appears as a central theme throughout the project. Tullen previously worked on another film titled ‘The AI Face Trade’ that discussed how people sell rights to their likenesses for use in AI applications often for sums around one thousand eight hundred dollars. He observes that themes of technology keep emerging in his work reflecting how deeply it has become woven into everyday existence for young adults.
Experts featured in ‘Generation Lonely’ offer important insights on these trends. They note that while chatbots can deliver quick emotional relief depending on them too heavily may prevent individuals from addressing root causes. Real progress often requires reaching out to friends family members or professional counselors. Masking problems with convenient tech responses can delay meaningful healing and growth.
Paisley’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of artificial companions. Although ChatGPT provided immediate responses it could not replicate the warmth or reciprocity found in human bonds. His journey from seeking friendship in code to recognizing the need for authentic interactions resonates widely today. It encourages reflection on how we balance technology with our very human need for connection.
In our increasingly online world many face similar battles with solitude. Technology offers tools but it falls short as a full substitute for people. Building real relationships takes effort yet the rewards of shared laughter deep conversations and mutual support prove far greater than any algorithm can deliver.
If you have ever relied on an AI chatbot for company during lonely times share your thoughts in the comments.
