Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "instant response assistants" reflects the emotional needs of young people in a fast-paced, isolated society, where timely emotional support has become a valuable resource [6][11]. Group 1: Instant Response Assistants - The service charges range from 20 yuan/hour during the day to 50 yuan/hour late at night, with a monthly package costing around 400 yuan [10]. - Many instant response assistants view this role as a part-time job, often consisting of university students or freelancers, providing emotional support without engaging in sensitive topics [11]. - The demand for immediate emotional responses among young people is increasing, driven by feelings of loneliness and the need for companionship [11]. Group 2: Emotional Value and AI Tools - AI tools like DeepSeek and Doubao are gaining popularity for their ability to provide flexible emotional support, capturing fragmented emotional needs that traditional social interactions may not address [12][18]. - A significant portion of young people (37.9%) prefer to confide in AI rather than parents, indicating a shift in how emotional support is sought [15]. - The non-judgmental nature of AI allows young individuals to express minor grievances without fear of being perceived as overly sensitive, fulfilling a different layer of emotional needs compared to instant response assistants [18]. Group 3: Implications and Concerns - While both instant response assistants and AI provide immediate emotional support, they may lead to a vacuum where individuals avoid confronting deeper emotional issues [18]. - The idealized feedback from AI and the often superficial interactions with instant response assistants may not fulfill the deeper emotional connections that young people seek [18].