Building Confidence Through AI Chatbot Usage and Interactions

Abstract

Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly common part of everyday life, especially through the use of AI chatbots. These systems are designed to communicate with users through natural language, answer questions, provide suggestions, and provide support in educational, emotional, and social contexts. As AI chatbots become more human-like in their responses, users may begin to interact with them not only as digital tools but also as social companions. Phang et al. (2025) explain that the conversational style of systems such as ChatGPT, including their “ability to simulate human-like interactions,” can lead users to personify or anthropomorphize them. This development is important to study because young people are still developing their confidence, communication skills, and social identity. One possible benefit of AI chatbot usage is that it may help youths build confidence in communication. Some young people may feel shy, anxious, or afraid of being judged when speaking to teachers, classmates, parents, or peers. In this situation, chatbots may provide a safer and less intimidating space for them to practise expressing their thoughts. Suriano, Fabio, zand Plebe (2025) note that chatbot interaction can offer “interaction without judgment and without social pressures,” which may reduce anxiety and create a more comfortable communication environment. This suggests that AI chatbots may support confidence by allowing users to ask questions, explore ideas, and express emotions without the same pressure they may feel in face-to-face situations. However, the use of AI chatbots also creates concerns about reduced human interaction. Human communication involves body language, tone of voice, empathy, disagreement, emotional awareness, and unpredictable responses. These elements are important in developing real-world confidence and social skills. Malfacini (2025) identifies two major concerns regarding companion AI: the “replacement concern” and the “deskilling concern”. The replacement concern refers to the possibility that AI may satisfy users’ social and emotional needs to the point that it replaces human relationships. The deskilling concern refers to the possibility that people may become less prepared for real relationships because AI interactions often require less emotional effort than human relationships.