From Human Bonds to Artificial Support: Perceived AI Empathy, Dependence on AI Chatbots, and Social Disconnection among Emerging Adults

The artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are embraced prevalently in human lives in this digital era. Consequently, has restructured how emerging adults interdepend, pursue support, and undertake emotional needs. The study surveyed the relationship between perceived empathy of AI chatbots, social disconnection, and AI dependence among emerging adults in Pakistan. The study hypothesized that perceived AI empathy would positively predict AI dependence and negatively predict human connection; dependence on AI Chatbot mediate the relationship between perceived AI empathy and social disconnection. A correlational research design was used. A sample of emerging adults (N=242) concluded using uniform measures: the Interpersonal Reactivity Index–Empathic Concern Subscale (Davis, 1983); Generative AI Dependency Scale (Goh et al., 2025), and Social Connectedness Scale (Lee et al., 1995). The outcomes showed significant associations among Perceived Empathy of AI Chatbots, social disconnection and AI Dependency: with AI dependence somewhat mediating the link between perceived empathy and diminished human connection. Results highlighted that the artificial available of empathy has impacts among emerging adults in developing an increased social disconnection. The study suggested the implications for digital well-being and future policy making for safe use of digital space without staking social interactions.