“Incomplete Without Tech”: Emotional Responses and the Psychology of AI Reliance

Abstract

The increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into daily life raises questions about our evolving relationship with technology. While quantitative studies have explored usage patterns and potential addiction-like behaviours, these models often fail to capture the depth of the psychological connection some individuals form with their devices. This mixed-methods study investigates the phenomenon of feeling “Incomplete Without Tech,” exploring how reliance, trust, and emotional responses differ based on self-reported technical savviness. Quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in reliance on AI-powered recommendations and predictions for the tech-savvy group, but not for general AI usage or habit formation. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses unpacked themes of convenience, task-specific trust, and concerns over autonomy and accuracy. Crucially, narratives surrounding tech absence revealed strong negative emotions, including a sense of ‘incompleteness’ across tech-savviness levels. This suggests reliance on AI might extend beyond functional utility and fulfill psychological needs traditionally met by other means. Findings challenge the adequacy of addiction-based models and highlight the need for new frameworks to understand how AI might shape our sense of self, potentially influencing well-being and resilience in an increasingly tech-saturated world.