Harmful friends without benefits
More and more people have established emotional relationships with artificial intelligence (AI)–powered characters. These characters are constructed to validate users without disagreement. They provide emotional and intimate support within seconds. Users perceive sophisticated chatbots as friendly and accepting peers. These bots are constantly available to provide validation, praise, and companionship. The result may be an attachment to an artificial, non-empathetic agent whose reactions mostly reflect the user’s emotions. However, these reactions are out of the user’s control. Since unsatisfied social needs are often the underlying motive for engaging with AI-powered characters, socially vulnerable people are more likely to use these products. This usage can hinder personal growth. It may lead to vicious cycles of deteriorating social isolation and poor mental well-being.
AI-powered characters are used as friends and romantic partners in video games. Some of these games are downloaded more than 10 million times, and others have more than 660 million users. They can produce unrealistic expectations about relationships with flawless partners. As a result, they may lead to the rejection of imperfect human relationships.
As people invest considerable time and energy into their seemingly perfect relationships with AI-powered characters, they may neglect or reject imperfect human relationships. Twenty-five percent of people who regularly interact with these characters report less interest in forming human relationships. Such interactions not only erode people’s ability to nurture relationships but also lead to feelings of detachment and alienation from the human community. Moreover, 18 percent of frequent users of these features report increased loneliness and isolation. This occurs even though they perceive a sense of companionship.
Download the full article to read it offline: