Study on the Negative Impact of AI Social Compensation on Depression Tendencies: The More You Use It, The Lonelier You Get
Scientific Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, (2026), Vol.8, No.7, pp.76-83
Published: July 13, 2026
DOI: 10.54691/ff7khk88
Abstract
This study examined the negative impact of AI social compensation on depressive tendencies among college students and its underlying mechanisms. Based on a survey of 328 students, the results indicate that AI social compensation is a significant predictor of depressive tendencies, with loneliness playing a partial mediating role. Furthermore, social presence positively moderates the effect of AI-mediated social compensation on loneliness. This study reveals that, in natural, non-interventional settings, overreliance on AI for social compensation may trap individuals in a “the more you use it, the lonelier you get” dilemma, providing empirical evidence for mental health interventions and risk prevention in the context of AI use.
Keywords:
AI social compensation; depressive tendencies; loneliness; social presence.
APA Citation:
Yonglin Chen (2026). Study on the Negative Impact of AI Social Compensation on Depression Tendencies: The More You Use It, The Lonelier You Get. Scientific Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 8(7), 76-83. https://doi.org/10.54691/ff7khk88
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