AI Companionship and Consumer Sustainability: How Virtual Relationships Reduce Overconsumption and Promote Digital Well-being

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-624-1_20How to use a DOI?

Keywords

AI companions; sustainable consumption; mental well-being; generational differences; mindful consumption; mixed-methods research; Self-Determination; Compensatory Consumption; and Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract

In a world increasingly defined by overconsumption and digital immersion, artificial intelligence companions, such as Replika and ChatGPT’s friend mode, are transforming how individuals forge connections, make purchasing decisions, and embrace sustainable practices. This study investigates the potential of these virtual relationships to reduce impulsive buying, enhance mental well-being, and promote eco-friendly lifestyles across different generations, including Generation Z, Millennials, and older adults. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 407 participants and conducted 8 in-depth interviews, guided by theories of Self-Determination, Compensatory Consumption, and Technology Acceptance Model. The research links artificial intelligence, sustainability, and emotional health, offering practical insights for designing ethical AI tools and crafting policies that encourage meaningful and balanced digital lives.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Ngoc Ngan Ha Tran
AU  - Thi Anh Thu Bui
AU  - Thi Man Le
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/04/06
TI  - AI Companionship and Consumer Sustainability: How Virtual Relationships Reduce Overconsumption and Promote Digital Well-being
BT  - Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Economics and Finance in the Digital Business Transformation (INCOSEF 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 278
EP  - 290
SN  - 2352-5428
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-624-1_20
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-624-1_20
ID  - Tran2026
ER  -