Global Study · 2026
The Global AI Intimacy Study 2026
Conducted by YouGov on behalf of Starxgen Ltd. 10,247 adults aged 18+ surveyed. 6 Countries: US, UK, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia.
"We are ready to embrace AI but not ready to talk about it"
This survey lifts the lid on what real people think about AI relationships, human connections and the global growing issue of loneliness.
10,247
Respondents
6
Countries
8
Key findings
Methodology
How the study was conducted
- Conducted by
- YouGov
- Sample size
- 10,247 adults aged 18+
- Countries
- United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia
- Fieldwork
- 2025–2026
- Method
- Online quantitative survey with nationally representative samples
Key findings
What the data reveals
40%
WellbeingThe Happiness Gap
40% of respondents report being less happy than five years ago. Only 25% report being happier — a net negative shift in wellbeing across all six markets.
46%
LonelinessThe Loneliness Epidemic
46% of 18–34 year olds report feeling lonely regularly, compared to 28% of over-55s — a near 2x generational gap in chronic loneliness.
47%
AI AttitudesThe Generational Divide
47% of 18–34 year olds believe AI will improve romantic happiness, versus just 21% of over-55s — the sharpest attitudinal split in the study.
62%
Cross-CulturalEast vs. West
China leads global openness to AI companionship at 62%, followed by Japan at 58%. Western markets trail significantly — UK at 24%, US at 29%.
31%
AdoptionPersonal Adoption
31% of 18–34 year olds have already used AI for emotional support. 12% report using AI for romantic or intimate interaction — a figure expected to rise.
68%
Social StigmaThe Discretion Gap
68% of those who use AI companionship tools prefer not to tell friends or family. Stigma remains high even among active users.
43%
BehaviourAI as Safety Net
43% of young adults see AI as a "practice space" for real relationships. 37% view it as a supplement rather than a replacement for human connection.
29%
RoboticsSex Dolls and Robotics
29% of men aged 18–34 are open to robotic intimate companions. Acceptance is 3x higher in East Asian markets compared to Western markets.
Full report
Download the Full Report (PDF)
The complete findings, methodology, country-by-country breakdowns, and demographic analysis — 60+ pages of original research.