In the heart of Tehran, a young woman named Roxana found herself alone and scared during a tense conflict between Iran and Israel. Her family was far away, her boyfriend was serving in the military, and her therapist had left the city. With bombs going off nearby and the internet frequently cut off, Roxana turned to an unlikely companion: ChatGPT.

ChatGPT became her go-to for information and comfort. It gave her updates on the war and even offered advice on where to take cover in her apartment. She talked to it about her fears, her money troubles, and her panic attacks. It was like having a friend who was always there to listen.

But getting reliable information in Iran is tough. Many news sites are blocked, and the state media paints a picture that doesn't match reality. Roxana said it was frustrating to see the news say the war was over when it clearly wasn't.

Before the war, Roxana's life was quite different. She went to concerts, spent time with friends, and even drank alcohol, which is banned in Iran. She and her friends are creative and independent, but they struggle to make ends meet. Roxana feels like she and others in her situation are often overlooked.

The war took a toll on her. She stopped studying German for a chance to move abroad and started playing video games to pass the time. She found some comfort in "Life is Strange, " a game where the main character can rewind time.

After the ceasefire, Roxana and her friends gathered in her apartment. There was some relief, but also sadness. They hadn't asked for much, just a bit of peace, joy, and rights.

AI COMFORT

Tehran's Young Generation: Coping with War and Isolation

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