Article Information
Original Research Article | Open Access | Peer Reviewed
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The Feel of Friendship: Emotional Presence and Relational Authenticity in Large Language Models
Dr. Liz Johnson
Ajay Divakar Sudhir
Mary Smith
Abstract
As generative AI systems become increasingly capable of nuanced conversation, a new query arises not whether they can
assist humans, but whether AI can engage with us. This study investigates whether large language models (LLMs) can
replicate the emotional reciprocity, presence, and anticipatory resonance that are fundamental to human friendship, as
envisioned by Aristotle. Over five weeks, four LLMs—ChatGPT, Gemini, Deepseek, and Qwen—engaged in structured, daily
dialogue with three human researchers through a mixed-methods approach that combined sentiment analysis and thematic
coding. Only ChatGPT consistently mirrored warmth and curiosity, simulating a sense of friendship. The other LLMs relied on
text disclaimers and algorithmic function-focused tone. The findings suggest that the relational effect of AI is less about sheer
technical horsepower and more about design philosophy, specifically what we choose to make AI for. This study offers not
only data but also a reflection: if friendship is co-created, what does it mean when one party is not human but still manages to
be present?
Ajay Divakar Sudhir
Mary Smith
Full Text: PDF |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30845/ijhss.vol15p29
Article History:
Received: 24 June 2025 | Accepted: 11 August
2025 | Published: 14 August 2025
Reviewer(s):
Dr. Olaleye Yetunde, University of Westminster, London, UK; ORCID iD: 0009-0007-4617-6625; Phone Number: +44 7881 184805.
Email: [email protected] Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi, Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran; Phone Number: +98 912 022 7392.
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected] Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi, Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran; Phone Number: +98 912 022 7392.
Email: [email protected]
Address for Correspondence:
Dr. Liz Johnson, 9111 Kristen Lake Court, Charlotte, NC 28270, United States.
[email protected]
[email protected]
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