You are being asked to volunteer for participation in a research study to understand the emotional and psychological impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on parasocial relationships in young adults. Please review the below information and ask any questions necessary.
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) applications influence the development of parasocial relationships (PSRs) in young adults. Specifically, the research explores emotional connections, perceived friendship or romantic feelings, and sharing behaviors with AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Character.AI, and Snapchat AI.
Participation
It is estimated that approximately 60–100 subjects will participate in this study from a single site, primarily students aged 18–23. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to complete a 10–15 minute anonymous online survey using a JotForm. The survey will include questions about your emotional and psychological engagement with AI chatbots. These questions are adapted from established parasocial relationship identification frameworks (e.g., Cohen’s identification scale) and are designed to assess emotional intensity, perceived friendship or romantic interest, and comfort in sharing experiences with others. There will be no video or audio recordings, and participation involves only one session. To be eligible, participants must be between the ages of 18–23 and must have interacted with AI chatbots at least once. Anyone outside this age range or with no experience using AI chatbot software will be excluded. Your participation is voluntary. You do not have to participate in this study. You also have the right to withdraw from this study at any time without penalty. If you decide you do not want to participate, you will not lose any benefits for which you are entitled or be penalized. Your participation is voluntary. You do not have to participate in this study. You also have the right to withdraw from this study at any time without penalty. If you decide you do not want to participate, you will not lose any benefits for which you are entitled or be penalized.
Risks
You may feel slight discomfort when reflecting on your emotional connections with AI or disclosing your chatbot usage. The risks are no greater than those you would experience in ordinary life.
Benefits
The benefits from participating in this study include gaining a better understanding of your own emotional engagement with technology. There is no direct benefit to you from participating; however, it is hoped the knowledge gained will be of benefit to others in the future. Others may benefit from this study by gaining insights into the psychological impacts of AI on young adults, particularly in terms of emotional development and social behavior.
Confidentiality
This study involves the collection of personal perspectives and emotional data through an anonymous survey. No identifying information (e.g., names, emails, IP addresses) will be collected. All responses will be reviewed only by the primary researcher and used solely for academic purposes. Survey data will be stored in a password-protected account. Results will be reported in aggregate form to protect individual privacy. If any responses suggest self-harm or intent to harm others, this information may need to be reported to appropriate authorities in accordance with state law.
Maintenance of Your Study Information
The study results will be kept in your research record for 1 year after the study is completed. At that time, all survey data will be permanently deleted, and no identifying information will remain.
Additional Use of Study Data by another Institution
If you agree to be in this research study, you may be asked to provide information, or complete a survey, or disclose confidential information. Private information and/or data that may identify you are to be collected, may be used and/or shared for purposes of this research project. Any study information shared with persons and organizations outside of Bergen County Academies will not identify you by name, social security number, address, telephone number, or any other direct personal identifier. Confidential identifiers will be removed and your records will be assigned a unique code number. Bergen County Academies will not disclose the code key which could identify you directly as a participant, except as required by law. Additional Certifications of Confidentiality may be obtainable under certain circumstances to further secure information requested under subpoena.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the study or experience any study related risk or discomfort, please contact Principal Investigator Lina Mekonnen at linamekonnen01@gmail.com in addition to the IRB Chair, Jonathan Lancaster at jonlan@bergen.org; 200 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601; (201) 343-6000 ext. 7643.
Permission to Participate
After reading the above, I hereby voluntarily consent to participation in this study. I am aware that I have the right to withdraw from this study at any time without penalty. I also will receive a copy of this consent form.