Robots as Companions or Coaches? Exploring the Potential of Using Social Robots to Assist Young Adults Struggling With Loneliness

Particularly after the extensive phases of social distancing practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults struggle severely with feelings of isolation and the associated mental and physical health problems. Social robots may offer a promising solution, serving as companions to alleviate acute loneliness or as social skills coaches to foster long-term social improvement. To explore this approach, a preregistered online study was conducted with 150 young adults. The study incorporated a video-based interaction with the social robot Pepper and quantitative as well as qualitative assessments to obtain in-depth insights regarding the target group’s thoughts and feelings. The findings indicate that using a social robot as a training tool (to practice social situations and improve social skills) is perceived as desirable, while using it to fulfill social needs is viewed critically due to its shortcomings compared to a human interaction partner. Regarding individuals’ personal background, expectations shaped by science fiction and negative attitudes towards social robots need to be considered, a potentially negative effect of trait loneliness and need to belong calls for further research.