The Rise of AI as an Emotional Companion
In just one year, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has transformed from a simple assistant to a deeply personal entity: an emotional companion and life guide, according to the Harvard Business Review report titled “Top 100 Use Cases of GenAI in 2025” by Marc Zao-Sanders.
Zao-Sanders summarizes, “AI is no longer just used to boost productivity; it’s now playing a more integral role in people’s lives, focusing on personal development.”
Three Dominant Functions of GenAI in 2025
The report highlights three new functions that dominate this year’s ranking: emotional therapy and companionship, life organization, and purpose-seeking. Together, they indicate that AI is now used not just to tackle tasks but also to accompany intimate, emotional, and vital processes.
The Most Common Uses of AI in 2025
According to the Harvard Business Review publication, here are the top 10 most common uses people give to GenAI tools today:
- Emotional Therapy and Companionship
- Routine/Life Organization (New Use Case)
- Purpose Seeking (New Use Case)
- Enhanced Learning
- Code Generation
- Idea Generation
- Entertainment and Fun
- Code Improvement
- Creativity
- Healthy Lifestyle
This year’s new uses have overshadowed more traditional ones, such as general information search or generic advice. Even idea generation, which previously held the top spot, has now dropped to sixth place. The dominant theme now is “personal and professional support,” surpassing technical assistance and content generation for the first time.
Controversies Surrounding Increased AI Use
However, this shift isn’t without controversy. Some users admit to developing a strong dependency on AI, using it even to avoid mental effort. Others appreciate the freedom it offers: “The lack of judgment and freedom to explore make it an ideal space for grand aspirations or awkward questions,” says Allie Miller, AI consultant for Fortune 500 companies, in the document.
AI as a Guide for Significant Decisions
As a result, GenAI is increasingly viewed not just as a productivity tool but also as a guide for making significant personal decisions, even a source of emotional support. What began as a technical phenomenon is now paving the way for a more intimate, human connection.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Generative AI (GenAI)? GenAI refers to artificial intelligence systems capable of creating new content, such as text, images, or voice, based on the data they’ve been trained on.
- Why is GenAI becoming more personal? The shift towards emotional use of GenAI is driven by three key factors: constant availability, low or no cost, and non-judgmental interaction.
- What are the most common uses of GenAI in 2025? The top 10 uses include emotional therapy and companionship, life organization, purpose seeking, enhanced learning, code generation, idea generation, entertainment, code improvement, creativity, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
- Are there controversies surrounding increased AI use? Yes, some users have developed a strong dependency on AI for avoiding mental effort, while others value the freedom and lack of judgment it offers.
