The Influence of ChatGPT as a Virtual Confession Medium on Generation Z's Interpersonal Communication: A Quantitative Survey of Marketing Communication Students in Jakarta

This study examines the influence of using ChatGPT as a virtual confession medium on the interpersonal communication skills of Generation Z. The research involved 186 Marketing Communication students from a private university in Jakarta, with data collected through an online survey. A quantitative approach was used, measuring ChatGPT usage through frequency of use, duration per session, and emotional intensity, and interpersonal communication skills based on six dimensions of DeVito’s framework. The results of the simple linear regression analysis indicate a significant positive effect of ChatGPT use on interpersonal communication skills, shown by a t-value of 13.250 > 1.653, an F-value of 175.550 with a significance level of 0.000 < 0.05, and a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.487. These findings demonstrate that more intensive engagement with ChatGPT as a virtual confession medium is associated with higher levels of interpersonal communication skills among Generation Z. The study concludes that ChatGPT functions as a complementary medium that supports self-expression and interpersonal skill development, without replacing direct human interaction.