Gen Z Is Turning to ChatGPT for Life Advice

When ChatGPT first showed up a couple of years ago, most people thought of it as a tool—something to help summarize articles, debug code, or crank out last-minute homework. But Gen Z? They’ve taken it to a whole new level.

These days, it’s not just about study help. More and more young people are using ChatGPT to get through life’s messier moments. We’re talking real-life stuff: Should I take this job offer or wait for something better? What should I say to my partner in a breakup text? How do I calm down before a scary first day at work? How do I tell my boss I’m overwhelmed?

It’s not just Gen Z either. Millennials are in on it too. I’ve had friends admit they’ve asked ChatGPT if now’s the right time to buy a house or if they should finally propose to their partner. One even asked an AI if the woman he’s dating is “wife material.” He laughed when he told me—but only a little.

Let’s be real—there’s something comforting about having a chatbot that answers instantly, doesn’t judge, and is always “on.” For many, it feels like a mix of a therapist, big sibling, and career coach, all rolled into one. And with how fast life moves and how lonely it can get sometimes, who wouldn’t want that?

But here’s where it gets tricky.

Even though ChatGPT feels smart and supportive, it’s still a machine. It doesn’t know your heart, your values, or what makes you you. It’s trained on data—not on your personal dreams or real-life consequences. That means it can get things wrong, miss important context, or unintentionally guide you in the wrong direction. It’s helpful—but it’s not perfect.

There’s a bigger picture here too. The fact that so many of us turn to AI for personal decisions says a lot about where we are as a society. Trust in traditional systems—school counselors, managers, even family—isn’t what it used to be. We’re all craving support that feels fast, neutral, and available 24/7. But we also have to remember: AI should be a tool, not a lifeline.

Gen Z Is Turning to ChatGPT for Life Advice—But Is That a Good Thing?

Takeaways:

Gen Z isn’t just using ChatGPT for schoolwork anymore—they’re asking it for serious life and career advice.

It’s easy to see why: the advice feels instant, nonjudgmental, and even comforting.

Some users even treat ChatGPT like a coworker, therapist, or friend.

But there are risks: misinformation, missing nuance, and the danger of leaning too hard on a machine for human problems.

The rise of AI as a life guide shows a shift in how we seek help—but it’s a reminder to stay thoughtful, grounded, and critical.

Why Gen Z (and Beyond) Are Turning to ChatGPT for Life & Career Advice

Let’s face it—life today feels like a constant stream of tough choices and big emotions. From job hunting to figuring out relationships and life goals, it’s no wonder so many people—especially Gen Z—are looking for something (or someone) they can trust to guide them through the chaos.

Surprisingly—or maybe not so surprisingly—that “someone” is often ChatGPT.

A recent survey by Resume.org of over 8,600 full-time U.S. workers found that Gen Z stands out when it comes to turning to AI for support. And it’s not just for help with work tasks. They actually see ChatGPT as much more than just a tool:

51% say they think of it like a trusted coworker

32% describe it as a companion

21% even view it as a kind of therapist

And 36% turn to it for a bit of entertainment or escape

In a talk at Sequoia Capital’s AI Ascent event, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hit the nail on the head:

“They don’t really make life decisions without asking ChatGPT what they should do.”

It might sound extreme at first—but take a closer look, and it starts to make a lot of sense.

Always There, Always Listening

Unlike a friend who’s asleep, a boss who’s busy, or a therapist who’s booked for weeks, ChatGPT is just there. Anytime. On your phone, your laptop, whatever. Whether it's 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., you can ask it anything—no scheduling, no waiting, no judgment.

Irina Pichura, a career coach at Resume.org, puts it well:

“Gen Z workers have grown up with instant access to information, so it’s no surprise they turn to AI before turning to a manager.”

In a world where every second counts and people are used to Googling everything, ChatGPT fits right in.

A Judgment-Free Zone

But maybe the biggest reason people—especially young adults—turn to AI is emotional safety. There's no eye-rolling, no awkward silence, no fear of being seen as “too sensitive” or “too inexperienced.” You can be totally honest about your fears, your goals, your stress, or even just ask what feels like a “dumb” question.

Pichura told Techopedia:

“ChatGPT offers fast, judgment-free answers, which can feel more efficient and comfortable than approaching a supervisor, especially in remote or high-pressure environments.”

It’s a space where vulnerability doesn’t feel scary. And in a world that moves fast and often feels overwhelming, that really matters.

Trusting the Bots More Than the Boss

Here’s the wild part: a growing number of young people actually trust AI more than they trust their own managers. According to a Pearl.com study cited by Forbes, 41% of Gen Z say they trust AI more than humans. Half of them even say they’d rather open up to AI about work problems than talk to their boss.

Compare that to only a third of Boomers who feel the same way—and you’ll see just how much the workplace is changing.

So Why Is This Happening?

Because Gen Z is navigating a complicated, high-pressure world—and they want support that’s fast, safe, and available on their terms. For many, ChatGPT isn’t just a piece of tech. It’s a sounding board, a guide, even a source of comfort when things feel uncertain.

And honestly? In a world where everything can feel a little too much sometimes, having something that listens—really listens—without judgment, might just be exactly what they need.

Absolutely! Here's a rewritten version in simple, human, and emotionally engaging language while keeping the same structure and flow:

It’s Not All Red Flags and Warnings

Sure, some people worry that we might be relying on ChatGPT too much—and that’s a fair concern. But there’s another side to the story that’s just as important to talk about.

For a lot of users, especially young adults figuring life out, ChatGPT isn’t just about quick answers. It’s a space where they can sort through messy thoughts, try out different ideas, or just practice saying things that feel too hard to say out loud. It’s like having a sounding board that doesn’t interrupt, judge, or rush them.

A recent study from Bournemouth University found that the more “human” and personal ChatGPT’s responses feel, the more people use it to think through their emotions or boost productivity—though the researchers do caution about becoming overly dependent on it.

As Dr. Ala Yankouskaya, lead author of the study and Senior Lecturer in Psychology, puts it:

“By creating conversations that feel continuous and personal, ChatGPT can mimic aspects of human interaction. This can increase the likelihood of users developing a sense of connection or familiarity with the AI.”

And honestly, that connection matters. Not everyone has someone they can open up to. Some people are dealing with money struggles, cultural expectations, or they’re just living far from their support system. For them, ChatGPT becomes this low-pressure, always-there tool where they can think out loud without fear of being misunderstood.

The study doesn’t go as far as saying it’s a form of therapy—but it does point out something powerful: ChatGPT gives users a way to process their own thoughts by offering steady, neutral responses that help them reflect.

That’s not to say it’s perfect. It’s definitely not a replacement for real human relationships, mental health professionals, or mentors. But for a generation raised online—where emotions are often typed out before they’re spoken—it can feel like a rare safe space to pause, reflect, and reset.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what people need.

The Real Risk: When We Let Algorithms Decide for Us

It’s easy to see why Gen Z and others are turning to ChatGPT for advice. It’s fast, friendly, and always there when you need someone (or something) to talk to. But with all the convenience comes a more complicated reality—one we shouldn’t ignore.

As helpful as AI can be, it doesn’t always get things right. Sometimes the advice sounds confident, but the facts are off. Sometimes it offers answers without really knowing the full story or how something might affect your emotions, your mental health, or your future.

A study from Bournemouth University raises a big concern: if young people start relying too much on AI for life’s decisions, it could chip away at their confidence to trust their own voice. And during those years when you're still figuring yourself out, that matters a lot.

The researchers warn:

“Over time, this reliance can contribute to social isolation, diminished interpersonal skills, and fewer opportunities for real-life connections, issues frequently associated with internet addiction.”

And then there's the problem of bias. AI learns from the internet—and let’s be honest, the internet isn’t always the most balanced or kind place. What sounds like neutral advice from a chatbot could actually be stitched together from outdated beliefs, stereotypes, or random opinions floating around online.

Even though ChatGPT isn’t trying to tell people what to do, the way it delivers its answers can feel final. Polished, confident, and clear—even when it’s wrong.

That becomes a real issue when people start treating AI as the “decider” for serious life stuff: like career moves, mental health struggles, or money decisions. In those moments, the line between helpful and harmful gets blurry.

Here’s the thing: AI might sound like it understands you, but it doesn’t actually know you. It can’t hear the shaky tone in your voice. It doesn’t see your expression when you're anxious or your silence when you're overwhelmed. It doesn't remember your story or hold you accountable like a real friend, mentor, or therapist can.

These are the moments where real human connection matters most—and AI just can’t replace that.

The Bottom Line

The fact that more people are turning to AI for life advice says a lot—about our generation, our stress, and the world we’re living in. For many, ChatGPT is a lifeline when everything else feels too far away or too hard to access. It listens. It doesn’t rush. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

But as we embrace these new tools, we also have to stay grounded. Yes, AI can be helpful—but it’s not a replacement for human wisdom, experience, or empathy.

So instead of avoiding it or blindly trusting it, maybe the answer is balance. Let’s stay curious. Ask questions. Use AI—but keep checking in with ourselves and with the people who do know us.

That’s how we make space for technology in our lives—without losing ourselves in the process.