Digital Companionship and the Relational Health of Emerging Adults
IRB Approval Number: AUIRB-25-183
IRB Contact: Kevin Lyness - klyness@antioch.edu
Research Opportunity (Ages 18–29, U.S.-based): Loneliness, Connection, and Digital/AI Companions
I’m inviting emerging adults in the U.S. to take part in an IRB-approved online study exploring how people experience loneliness and social connection, and how (if at all) AI tools fit into that picture.
What this study is about
Many people are navigating isolation, shifting relationships, and new kinds of digital support. This project looks at how social connection and well-being change over time, and whether AI/digital companion tools feel more like a bridge toward connection, a substitute, or something else entirely—depending on the person and their context.
This is not therapy and it’s not a treatment program—just a research study using surveys.
Privacy
Your privacy matters. Surveys are collected through secure, encrypted links. Any contact information needed for follow-ups or compensation is kept separate from your survey responses, which are connected to an ID code rather than your name.
Study findings are shared in summary form (not in a way that identifies you).
Who can take part
You may be eligible if you:
Are 18–29 years old
Live in the United States
You’re welcome to participate whether you use AI/digital companion tools or don’t.
Time commitment
Participation happens online over several months:
Screening survey: ~5–8 minutes
Baseline survey: ~25–35 minutes
Follow-up surveys (3, 6, and 9 months): ~20–30 minutes each
Brief monthly check-ins: ~10 minutes
You can complete everything remotely from your phone or computer.
Compensation
Compensation is offered using a raffle-style approach, and it’s prorated—meaning you can still receive compensation for the parts you complete even if you decide not to continue later.
Support Resources
Some questions touch on loneliness, mood, or stress. If anything brings up difficult feelings, you’ll have resources available throughout the study. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, you can call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
If you’re eligible, you’ll complete a set of online surveys about things like:
Loneliness and social connection
Mood and stress (e.g., anxiety/depression symptoms)
Relationship experiences and support
Your experiences with (or opinions about) AI/digital companion tools (if relevant)
If you’re eligible, you’ll complete a set of online surveys about things like:
Loneliness and social connection
Mood and stress (e.g., anxiety/depression symptoms)
Relationship experiences and support
Your experiences with (or opinions about) AI/digital companion tools (if relevant)
