Artificial intelligence is no longer just a practical tool for many people – it’s becoming a potential conversational partner, and perhaps even an emotional one. That’s the central finding of a new study from Germany’s digital industry association Bitkom, painting a striking picture of how human communication is evolving in the digital age.
When Advice Doesn’t Come from Humans
According to the representative survey of 1,209 people aged 16 and over in Germany, 39 percent said they could imagine turning to an AI voice assistant for advice on certain topics instead of asking friends or family. The trend is particularly pronounced among younger people: 51 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds said they would be open to it, compared to just 29 percent of those aged over 65.
AI as a “Friend”? One in Five Would Be Willing
But it’s not just about practical help. Eighteen percent of all respondents said they could imagine forming a friendly bond with an AI voice assistant. The highest level of openness was among 30- to 49-year-olds (24 percent), while only 11 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds said the same.
Gender differences also emerged: 20 percent of men said they were open to a “friendship” with AI, compared to 16 percent of women.
Potential to Reduce Loneliness – Especially Among Young People
Another key insight: 27 percent of respondents believe AI voice assistants could help reduce loneliness. Once again, younger generations are the most optimistic, with 34 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds agreeing, while just 24 percent of people over 65 shared that view.
Bitkom Expert: Closeness, Yes – But No Replacement for People
Dr Sebastian Klöß, Bitkom’s Consumer Technology expert, explained that voice assistants are becoming more personal thanks to advances in AI. They better understand human behaviour, respond more individually, and can create a sense of closeness – through language, tone, and contextual awareness.
However, he cautions against overestimating the emotional potential of AI: these technologies are no substitute for real human relationships. At best, they provide additional advice or a second opinion – not genuine companionship.
Age Gaps Highlight a Digital Divide
The study highlights how age and affinity for technology shape attitudes towards AI. While younger generations tend to be open and willing to experiment with new tech, older people remain more sceptical or cautious. Over the long term, this gap could pose challenges for digital inclusion, especially in fields like elderly care or social services.
Background to the Study
The survey was conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the digital industry association Bitkom. The interviews were carried out by telephone between May and June 2025 (calendar weeks 20 to 23). The goal was to gain a representative understanding of how Germans perceive the social and emotional role of AI voice assistants.
The core question asked was: “To what extent do the following statements apply to you or reflect your opinion?”
Download and Further Information
A detailed PDF report including breakdowns by age and gender is available via the Bitkom website. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, tech companies, and society at large – especially when it comes to data protection, ethics, and the psychological effects of AI-based interaction.
Conclusion: This study clearly shows that AI voice assistants are increasingly seen not only as helpful tools, but as potential social companions. The boundary between human and machine is not disappearing – but it is being renegotiated.
