APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Physiologically Stressful, Socially Connecting: How Human and Chatbot Conversations Differ In Loneliness Reduction and Heart Rate Variability
- Andrew Proctor
Brigham Young University - Wendy Birmingham
Brigham Young University - Tal Waltzer
University of California San Diego - Jared Warren
Brigham Young University - Scott Braithwaite
Brigham Young University - Emily Grover
- Arushi Gupta
University of California San Diego - Julianne Holt-Lunstad
Brigham Young University
Abstract
This randomized study (N=297) compared human conversation, LLM chatbot interaction, and control conditions. Human interaction reduced loneliness and increased connection more than chatbots. Both conversational conditions decreased heart rate variability, suggesting physiological activation costs. Findings support "social activation energy": human conversations incur short-term physiological costs but yield stronger psychological rewards.
