Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a part of daily life across the globe, and Indonesia is no exception.
Hence, in April 2025, Snapcart conducted research, by using TASC Online Survey with 3,611 respondents to explore how Indonesians are using AI, what they use it for, and how they emotionally relate to it. The results reveal a fascinating look into the role AI plays across different age groups and how it’s evolving from a tool of convenience to one of companionship. Check out this article to see our findings.
From the data above, we can see that AI is widely used across Indonesia, with nearly half of the respondents (43%) stating that they use AI frequently in their daily lives. Another 41% have used AI before but only on occasion, suggesting a growing familiarity with the technology, even if not yet habitual. Only 16% of Indonesians surveyed said they have never used AI, which indicates a relatively small segment of the population remains untouched by AI tools.
A closer look at age demographics reveals how adoption varies. Among Gen Z (ages 13–24), 50% reported using AI frequently, the highest of all groups surveyed. Children under 13 also showed high usage, with 40% saying they use AI often. Millennials, those aged 25–44, followed with a 29% frequent usage rate. Usage dips among older generations—only 23% of Gen X (45–60 years) and 31% of those aged over 60 use AI regularly. This generational gap highlights the comfort and enthusiasm younger people have toward emerging technologies, while older users are still easing into its adoption.
Top Reasons Indonesians Use AI
In terms of practical applications, the most popular reason Indonesians use AI is to support academic work. Students across all education levels find AI especially helpful for completing school or college assignments.
Another major use is for online browsing and data research (26%) and also to assist with finishing complicated tasks (14%), especially in work environments. Meanwhile on the entertainment front, a smaller yet notable group also uses AI for leisure activities.
Surprisingly, some respondents (6%) said they use AI as a “friend” to talk to and share feelings with. This use is indicative of a growing trend in which AI is not just seen as a smart assistant, but also as a digital confidant. While still a minority, this behavior opens up discussions about how AI could evolve into a source of emotional support.
Could AI Replace Psychologists?
One of the more thought-provoking findings from this survey focused on how people emotionally engage with AI. Among those who use AI to talk to and share their feelings, 58% admitted they sometimes consider AI as a potential replacement for psychologists.
However, not all users see it this way. The remaining 42% of those who chat with AI for emotional support said they do not view it as a substitute for mental health professionals. For them, AI serves more as a casual companion or outlet—similar to venting to a journal or talking to a pet. These users appreciate AI’s ability to “listen,” but they recognize the limitations of artificial support when compared to trained human therapists.
This divide highlights an important conversation about the boundaries of technology in mental health. While AI can offer a temporary outlet, the human touch remains irreplaceable for many.
For more information, contact us at partners@snapcart.global or boy@snapcart.global.
