Human–AI Collaboration in Socioemotional Support: Empirical Evidence of the Spontaneous Use of LLMs

• Isabelle Q. G. de Assis Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE)
• Jéssyka Vilela Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbsc_estendido.2026.20659

Resumo

Context: The adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) increased human–AI interaction in emotional support settings, but their collaborative role is still unclear. Objective: We investigate LLMs' use of socioemotional support, examining user motivations, perceived benefits, and risks. Method: A Multivocal Literature Review analyzed 22 academic studies and 113 gray literature sources published between 2021 and 2025. Results: Users seek privacy, and relief from loneliness, perceiving interactions as accessible and non-judgmental; however, risks include emotional dependency, inappropriate advice, and data vulnerabilities. Conclusions: LLMs are becoming mediators of informal care, showing collaborative potential and ethical risks.

Palavras-chave: Large Language Models, LLMs, Human-Computer Interaction, Mental Health, Multivocal Literature Review, Reddit, TikTok

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