Using Large Language Models for Emotional Support of Bulgarian Users: A Survey

TL;DR

This survey explores Bulgarian users' attitudes and usage of large language models like ChatGPT for emotional support, highlighting adoption rates, perceived effectiveness, and concerns about security and reliability.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into the adoption, perceptions, and concerns of Bulgarian users regarding LLM-based emotional support tools.

Findings

Approximately 50% of surveyed users utilize chatbots for emotional support.

71% of users find the technology effective.

Users express concerns about data security, reliability, and over-affirmation by chatbots.

Abstract

The use of large language models (LLMs) for psychological and emotional support (ES) has rapidly evolved, becoming the most widely used application of generative artificial intelligence among consumers by 2025. This paper presents the results of an anonymous survey of 100 Bulgarian users, primarily high school, university, and doctoral students, to explore their attitudes toward and usage of chatbots for emotional support. Findings indicate that approximately one-half of the surveyed population utilizes chatbots for ES, with ChatGPT being the most dominant platform. Users primarily seek support for coping with stress in interpersonal relationships and work or study-related environments. While 71% of users perceive the technology as effective, non-users remain sceptical. Despite the growing adoption, significant concerns persist regarding data security, technology reliability, and the tendency of chatbots to provide excessive affirmation.