Published Article

ABSTRACT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) companions such as ChatGPT, Replika, and similar conversational platforms are increasingly becoming part of everyday lives of young people across the world. Beyond their informational and task-oriented functions, these tools are gradually assuming social, emotional, and companionship roles in the lives of users. In the Nigerian context, however, there is still limited empirical attention to how young people engage with these AI companions and the motivations underlying their use. This paper therefore examines the use of AI companions among Nigerian youth, with particular focus on their level of awareness, extent of use, patterns of engagement, and underlying motivations. The study will adopt a descriptive survey design. The population will comprise undergraduates in Abia State, Nigerian. From this population, a randomised sample of 500 would be selected to participate in the study. Data will be collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire titled AI Companions Use Questionnaire (AICUQ). The instrument will be designed to generate data on respondents’ awareness and use of AI companions, the nature and frequency of their interactions, and the major reasons for engaging with such platforms. Data obtained will be analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The paper is expected to provide early empirical insight into the growing presence of AI companions in the psychosocial lives of Nigerian youth and to stimulate scholarly conversation on the implications for counselling, social interaction, and youth development in a rapidly digitising society.