Why We Tell AI Our Stories : Exploring Motivations, Perceptions and Impact of Interactions with ChatGPT

As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, AI chatbots like ChatGPT are no longer viewed solely as tools but are gradually seen as companions capable of supporting users in emotionally complex moments. This study investigates three central questions: why individuals engage in non-instrumental conversations with ChatGPT, how they perceive these interactions, and how such conversations influence their emotional and social lives. Based on nine semi-structured interviews with university students and recent graduates, this study identifies three key gratifications that users derive from engaging with ChatGPT in non-functional contexts: emotional relief, cognitive clarity, and hedonic enjoyment. The chatbot is used situationally rather than habitually, with users actively choosing to engage with it in response to internal states or life challenges. While participants recognise its artificial nature and do not see it as a substitute for human relationships, they nonetheless treat it as a safe, non-judgmental space for self-expression and reflection. ChatGPT’s perceived emotional neutrality and responsiveness make it a complementary emotional resource—an interactive presence that supports users without replacing interpersonal connection. By uncovering the layered motivations and emotional and societal impacts of human-AI conversations, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how AI technologies, especially ChatGPT, are becoming intertwined with emotional well-being and self-cognition.