An online survey conducted in mid-January 2026 across Japan found that 47.8% of women aged 60 to 79 prefer to seek relationship advice from artificial intelligence rather than from humans [1, 2]. Only 37.3% of women in that age group said they preferred speaking with a human for interpersonal problems.
Across all ages and genders, 45.8% of respondents preferred human advice while 36.5% preferred AI advice, indicating a general trend favoring human counselors but a growing acceptance of AI [1, 2]. Among elderly men aged 60 to 79, 57% favored human advice and just 25.2% preferred AI assistance [1, 2].
The survey included 1,449 respondents aged 18 to 79, and was carried out online by the Japan Institute for Promotion of Digital Economy and Community [1, 2].
Researchers suggest that AI is seen as more objective and less biased than human advisors, which may attract users seeking impartial guidance [1, 2]. Atsushi Nakagomi, a researcher involved in the study, described older women's preference for AI as surprising. He credited it to AI making individuals feel more comfortable opening up without fear of judgment. "AI makes people feel more comfortable about opening up, as they might feel free to seek advice without worrying about how their comments will be perceived," Nakagomi said [2].
The results were first reported by Kyodo News in May 2026 and subsequently covered by other news agencies [1, 2]. The survey highlights a notable generational and gender divide in preferences for relationship advice sources.
Further research or repeated surveys could track if this trend of older women preferring AI persists or expands in the future.
