Awarefy and its Mental Health Research Institute announced the results of a February 2026 survey on the relationship between conversational generative AI and people, conducted among about 1,000 residents of Japan who had used conversational generative AI. The findings suggest that as usage frequency and demand for consultation increase, AI is moving beyond its role as an information-gathering tool and is increasingly becoming a familiar source of support for users. Compared with Awarefy's previous survey in August 2025, the share of people using AI every day rose from 21.2% to 30.9%, while 61.9% said their usage frequency or time had increased compared with six months earlier. The share of respondents using AI at least once a week reached 86.5%. Most users, 82.5%, use free personal plans, suggesting that AI is becoming established as an everyday partner that does not add to living costs. Information-related needs remain the most common reasons for using AI, including wanting AI to teach users things they do not know (79.5%) and help generate ideas (65.0%). However, needs related to emotional and psychological support are expanding notably. The share of respondents who want AI to listen to their concerns rose from 33.0% to 42.8%, those who want AI to be a conversation partner rose from 18.1% to 24.7%, and those who want AI to serve as emotional support rose from 11.6% to 18.5%. Around 12% of those seeking emotional support expect AI to act like a psychological counselor, indicating that a certain segment expects advanced professional-style support from AI. The survey found that AI's appeal is not limited to its knowledge and research capabilities. Respondents also valued being able to speak without hesitation because the other party is AI, and being able to talk anytime and as much as they want. Some users reported positive changes, such as becoming better able to put negative feelings into words, express their thoughts, and feel a sense of relief. Others reported ne