Examining how AI can alleviate loneliness and its associated risks

Artificial intelligence and human relationships are often portrayed by Hollywood as dangerous and rife with ethical implications. The concept of substituting a human for a robot to have as a companion is controversial. Many would view it as a depressing symptom of isolated modern day living, and a breakdown of our communities.

Some scientists, however, suggest that there may be more nuance to this issue, claiming that it is no different from having a pet or children who own inanimate dolls. People on the brink of social isolation could use AI technology to help hone their social skills, building their confidence for real-world human interactions. The technology could also be used to prevent major depressive disorders and help stabilize patients going through a mental health crisis.

Loneliness is not just a social state, but a damning comorbidity that wreaks havoc on a person's physical and mental well-being. Some scientists estimate that for elderly isolated individuals, the damaging effects of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Being lonely can often lead to a rapid deterioration into deeper depression. As self-esteem continues to plummet, it can discourage individuals from attempting to interact with others, further diminishing their chances of recovery and social engagement. AI could intervene in this downward spiral, providing companionship to help build feelings of self-worth and foster positive emotional states.

Chatbots in their current primitive state have a limited scope to address loneliness in a positive manner. While a minority of people use them, the lack of safeguards and regulation means they can become addictive. Additionally, their inability to respond in a sophisticated and personalized manner limits their widespread application. Chatbots from the last few years also struggle to understand concepts beyond basic phrases, often providing bizarre or irrelevant answers in response to natural language. Anyone who has interacted with customer service text lobbies in recent years can relate to the frustration of trying to find solutions for even the most basic issues.

Despite this, technology is rapidly improving, and soon it will be able to detect nuance, learn personalities, and understand humor on a level never seen before. It is vital that when this happens, adequate safeguards are in place if they are indeed to be used in a constructive manner to help the isolated. AI chatbots must have built-in protection to ensure they do not exacerbate unhealthy behaviors and attitudes. Users are likely to develop close bonds with such AI companions, making it extremely important that user privacy is protected and secure from outside malicious exploitation.

The concern that users will choose the instant gratification of AI interaction over a genuine human bond is valid. To prevent addiction, AI companions must not merely provide simple on-demand positive affirmations to users. Human relationships require effort and trust built up over time to create familiarity. Programs that mimic this complex process will be difficult to achieve but will undoubtedly provide a much healthier tool for isolated individuals to improve their well-being.

Applications are not limited to just lonely people. Scientists are exploring the possibility of using AI chatbots to help children with autism develop social skills. Programs with exercises that simulate eye contact and environmental noises can assist neurodivergent individuals in building social proficiency, ultimately enhancing their relationships and quality of life.

Good friends are essential for maintaining health. They can be there to celebrate the good times and also help you through life's tougher moments. They prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness and help avert addictive behaviors such as drug use, gambling, or lack of exercise. Human beings are sociable creatures and need other people in their lives to function naturally. Without companionship, physical and mental health suffer dramatically. Using AI to help facilitate a return to sociability and to numb the pain of isolation is a novel concept that does hold some promise. However, fully replacing a human relationship with AI remains risky, and applying this concept safely must be done with caution.