Can an AI Counselor Relieve Loneliness? A Qualitative Study in a Metaverse Environment

Abstract

In response to growing concerns about adolescent loneliness and suicide, particularly during late-night hours when human support is often unavailable, this study explores the perceived usefulness of an AI counselor—Hironya AI—as a conversational partner for university students. Drawing on a qualitative research design, the study collected open-ended responses from 10 participants who interacted with the AI counselor. Data were analyzed using thematic coding and frequency analysis in MAXQDA, supplemented by emotional polarity assessment and code co-occurrence modeling.

Findings revealed that many participants expressed favorable impressions of Hironya AI, appreciating its accessibility, emotionally neutral stance, and capacity to encourage self-expression. Several users described it as a temporary conversational companion that could provide a sense of ease during moments of emotional vulnerability, especially when human interaction was less available. However, participants also noted its limitations, such as shallow conversational depth, lack of memory continuity, and limited emotional resonance. Concerns regarding privacy and the absence of a sustained sense of relational trust were also highlighted.

Overall, Hironya AI was viewed as a potentially helpful, yet inherently limited tool for alleviating loneliness. While it may offer immediate, low-barrier emotional engagement, it lacks the interpersonal depth and continuity necessary for long-term psychological support. The study suggests that AI counselors could serve a complementary function in mental health ecosystems, provided that future systems address current shortcomings by enhancing relational coherence, multimodal interaction, and privacy safeguards.