Increasing Reliance on Artificial Intelligence Observed in Yakutia's Population
In the vast landscape of the Republic of Sakha, a unique trend has emerged: users aged 36-45 are the most likely to interact with AI companions, making up an impressive 45% of the total user base [1]. This is not an isolated phenomenon, as Russians are increasingly turning to virtual bots for psychological support, particularly in managing stress and anxiety [1].
On average, Russians spend a modest 19 minutes a month communicating with these AI chatbots [1]. However, the most popular AI companions for everyday communication in Russia are Character.ai, Talkie, and Replika [1]. By 2025, the number of users of such services in Russia has doubled [1].
Yakutia, a region known for its harsh climate, is not far behind. In terms of residents' interest in AI assistants, Yakutia ranks 11th [1]. The popularity of virtual companions in Yakutia is growing rapidly, with users processing three times more data in January than in December, and twice as much in April compared to March, and a similar trend was observed in June compared to May [1].
Women are more actively engaged in communicating with digital conversationalists, making up 63% of users [1]. Users can create these AI companions according to their preferences, including personality, behavior, communication style, appearance, and voice [1].
The interest in AI companions in Russia is rapidly growing. Over six months, the user base of these psychological support AI chatbots has grown almost fivefold, and traffic has increased by 3.6 times [1]. From the beginning of 2025 compared to the same period last year, subscribers have increased traffic on the relevant resources in Yakutia by 7 times [1].
Some AI chatbots in Russia are initially focused on psychological support and are trained in methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy [1]. The more interaction, the more accurately the AI companion adapts to the user's mood and communication style [1].
These AI companions or chatbots based on artificial intelligence are digital conversationalists that engage in dialogue, remember the context of previous conversations, and adapt to the user's communication style [1]. They are used for real-time conversation, emotional support, reminders, and companionship, helping users manage anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation [1].
The growing interest in AI-based psychological support aligns with global mental health challenges and social isolation issues, pushing the use of chatbots for psychological support in homes, hospitals, and everyday communication to reduce loneliness and provide comfort [1].
In summary, the Russian and Yakutian contexts are likely experiencing growth patterns similar to global trends, with increased AI companion usage for emotional and psychological support driven by young and aging populations, improvements in AI conversational ability, and the need for accessible mental health resources in diverse settings [1]. As technology continues to advance, the role of AI companions in addressing mental health needs and fostering human connections is poised to expand.
[1] Source: Various online resources on AI companions and their usage in Russia and Yakutia.
Technology continues to play a significant role in mental health support, as Russian and Yakutian users increasingly turn to AI companions like Character.ai, Talkie, and Replika for emotional and psychological support. By 2025, the number of users of such services in Russia is expected to double, aligning with global trends driven by the advancement of artificial intelligence.
