This study examines the differential predictive roles of cognitive offloading (scaffold and substitution) in the relationship between AI companionship and interpersonal conflict handling strategies among Vietnamese young adults. Drawing on Donna Haraway’s companion species theory, AI companionship is conceptualized as a relational interaction capable of reshaping both individual competencies and social relations, rather than merely functioning as a tool or alternative source of social support. Data were collected through an online survey with 251 participants aged 18 - 35. Using the PROCESS macro model developed by Andrew F. Hayes (2013), our analysis aimed to investigate the mediating role of cognitive offloading and the moderating effects of perceived social support and perceived AI anthropomorphism within these associations. Results revealed that AI companionship significantly and positively predicted cognitive offloading (p < .001; R² = .637). However, substitution-based cognitive offloading demonstrated a stronger mediating role than scaffold-based offloading. Substitution negatively predicted integrating and compromising strategies, while positively predicting accommodating, dominating, and avoiding strategies. Perceived AI anthropomorphism significantly strengthened these indirect effects, whereas perceived social support only moderated integrating behavior. Cooperative conflict-handling behaviors became significant mainly under conditions of high anthropomorphism or low social support. Our findings suggest that anthropomorphizing AI not only increases attachment but also expands AI’s influence on users’ cognition and interpersonal behavior. The study also further highlights a paradox of AI companionship, where stronger attachment to AI may reduce individuals’ willingness to engage in collaborative conflict resolution within real-world social relationships that require ongoing adaptation and compromise.

Authors:
Ngoc-Anh Le, FPT University, Vietnam
Mai-Ngoc Nguyen, National Economics University, Vietnam

About the Presenter(s)
Ngọc Ánh Lê is an independent scholar based in Vietnam whose research interests include gender, queer studies, digital culture, and social psychology.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/lê-ngọc-ánh-b20b51240

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