[2026 Latest Survey] Is AI the Ultimate Listener? 44% Feel Relieved After Consulting AI, Revealing a Thirst for 'Human Empathy' Behind the Convenience

LeadIn Inc. conducted an awareness survey on "Experiences consulting ChatGPT and other AIs about personal worries and complaints" targeting viewers of its official Instagram account for its online counseling service "Tama Soudan Shitsu" (https://tama-soudan.com/).

The survey results revealed both the modern trend of utilizing AI as a means of mental care and the persistent voices seeking human connection and warm empathy.

■ Survey Results

Over half of the respondents (57%) have experience consulting AI about their worries or complaints.

The most common response was "I consulted! My worries cleared up! (44%)", indicating that AI consultations are helping to alleviate a certain degree of psychological burden. On the other hand, voices like "I still want a human to listen (25%)" persist, showing a strong desire for human interaction.

Detailed Survey Results

【Question】Have you ever consulted ChatGPT or other AIs about your personal worries or complaints?

• I consulted! My worries cleared up!: 132 people (44%)

• I still want a human to listen: 75 people (25%)

• I haven't used it / I'm scared: 56 people (18%)

• I consulted, but felt empty: 40 people (13%)

The largest group, "I consulted! My worries cleared up! (44%)", suggests that the characteristics of AI – being easily accessible and non-judgmental – are helping many people resolve their mental unease.

Furthermore, combining the responses "I consulted, but felt empty (13%)" and "I still want a human to listen (25%)" reveals that nearly 40% of people are not fully satisfied with AI's logical answers or information provision, or are seeking emotional support and empathy from humans from the outset.

Expert Opinion (Tama-sensei)

In daily counseling, we often see individuals who come for consultations because they feel they have nowhere to vent their emotions, saying things like, "I want someone to listen, but I don't want to worry my loved ones," or "If they knew about these dark feelings, they might dislike me."

As this data shows, the existence of AI, which listens flatly without any emotion anytime and anywhere, can be an effective means for such individuals to "safely vent for now." The fact that many people feel their worries have cleared up is a wonderful benefit of modern technology.

However, we cannot overlook the voices of those who felt "empty" or "still want a human to listen." This indicates that when we express our worries and complaints, we are not just seeking "solutions," but are deeply craving the "empathy" that comes from human connection, saying things like, "I understand," or "That must have been tough."

At our consultation service, while affirming the convenience of AI, we believe our important role is to provide "warm human acceptance and empathy" that AI cannot fill. Utilizing AI to verbalize one's emotions and then confiding any remaining feelings of loneliness or unease to a human counselor can be considered an effective form of modern mental care.

About Tama Soudan Shitsu's Initiatives

Tama Soudan Shitsu provides a safe space to let go of unspoken true feelings and dark emotions.

【Free】Worry Consultation

This is a service where you can anonymously write down your worries and have Tama-sensei respond and share them via social media etc.

→ Worry Consultation Board (https://tama-soudan.com/soudan-sns/)

【Paid】Online Individual Counseling

This is a professional session where we deeply support you one-on-one, accepting your emotions without any judgment.

→ Tama Soudan Shitsu (https://tama-soudan.com/)

Survey Overview

• Survey Theme: Awareness survey on "Consulting AI like ChatGPT about worries"

• Survey Period: April 10-11, 2026

• Survey Method: Internet survey conducted on the official Instagram of Tama Soudan Shitsu

• Valid Responses: 303 people

• Implementing Body: Tama Soudan Shitsu

Regarding Citation and Reproduction of Survey Data

When quoting or reproducing this survey data, please ensure the following:

• Clearly state the name "Tama Soudan Shitsu" as the source of the survey.

• Always include a link to the source page (this article).
  (URL: https://tama-soudan.com/survey/20260411)

Company Profile

Company Name: LeadIn Inc.

Representative Director: Daichi Kumemura

Location: 1-3-3-1108 Asahicho, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, 277-0852

Established: May 2025

Business Activities: Operation of online counseling services, web marketing support

Official Website: https://lead-in.co.jp/