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[The Bell No.266_Information] Is ChatGPT My Bestie?!
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ÀÛ¼ºÀÏ : 2025-06-06 09:26:34
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Is ChatGPT My Bestie?!
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Can ChatGPT Be a Real Friend?
Recently, many Gen Z students have started using ChatGPT not just for study help, but also for daily conversation and emotional support. They ask it to help plan their schedules, organize thoughts, or simply chat when feeling overwhelmed. This trend shows that AI is becoming more than a tool—it¡¯s starting to feel like a quiet digital companion.
In South Korea, a YouTuber named Soyo gained attention for sharing videos about her daily life with ChatGPT. The videos show her interacting with the chatbot throughout the day, and many viewers found the content relatable and refreshing. This kind of content reflects a wider trend where students view AI as something approachable and even emotionally supportive in everyday life.
Emotional Care: Real Stories from University Students
A Japanese student currently studying in Korea shared her experience of using ChatGPT to deal with stressful days. "When I feel mentally stuck or tired, I sometimes just write to ChatGPT," she said. She explained that it helps her think through her feelings or problems in a calmer way. "I don't expect perfect answers. But just writing and getting a simple reply helps me keep moving," she added. For her, it's not about replacing human friends—it's about having a low-pressure space to reflect when she needs it.
Study Tool and Idea Generator
Beyond emotional support, students are increasingly using ChatGPT for academic purposes. Many rely on the chatbot to help summarize lecture content, extract key points from long readings, or clarify confusing concepts. Its ability to provide concise explanations can save time and help students study more efficiently. In group projects, some use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, draft outlines, or explore possible arguments for presentations. The tool functions as both a helpful assistant and a reliable study buddy throughout the learning process.
How Gen Z Interacts with AI
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up surrounded by digital technology. This familiarity with online tools makes them more open to forming casual, even friendly relationships with AI. ChatGPT¡¯s round-the-clock availability, polite tone, and nonjudgmental responses make it feel like a companion that's always ready to listen. For many students, it isn¡¯t just a chatbot—it¡¯s become a quiet friend who helps them feel heard and less alone.
Benefits and Concerns in Balance
The use of AI tools like ChatGPT brings both benefits and important questions. On one hand, it supports students emotionally and academically, offering stress relief, productivity boosts, and reliable feedback. On the other hand, there is the risk that relying too heavily on AI could reduce chances to grow through human interaction or independent thinking. As ChatGPT becomes part of daily routines, students are learning to balance emotional comfort with real-world connection and personal growth.
Best AI Chatbots for International Students
If you¡¯re new to AI chatbots, here are some tools you might want to try. ChatGPT is flexible and works well for both studying and casual conversations. Replika focuses more on personal and emotional conversations. Wysa is a mental health chatbot that gives short, supportive messages to help you manage stress. These tools are available on both mobile and desktop, and most are free or low-cost.
AI won¡¯t fully replace human relationships. But for many students, it feels like a loyal digital friend that quietly supports them through busy, emotional, or stressful days. Whether used for writing, thinking, or simply feeling less alone, ChatGPT is becoming a comforting part of student life.
Choi Hyun ji
<hyunji20@kangwon.ac.kr>


