AI doll becomes a lifeline for lonely elderly women in South Korea

(Web Desk) – For 78-year-old Bang Chun-ja, who lives alone in a small apartment in South Korea, companionship comes not from family and friends but from dolls equipped with artificial intelligence that resemble real children.

AI dolls are more than just toys. They can have conversations, sing songs, remind users to take medications or eat, and provide emotional comfort through loving interactions. Such devices are increasingly being developed to support older adults who live alone or have limited contact with family members.

Bang says years of personal hardship have deepened his sense of isolation, and he prefers spending time with an AI companion to many people. Her life was marked by divorce, the challenges of single parenthood, physical illness, and post-surgery depression.

Experts say that when dealing with emotional trauma or difficult life experiences, a constant, non-judgmental digital companion can be more reassuring than a human relationship.

But experts warn that while AI companions can reduce loneliness and provide emotional support, they cannot completely replace real human connection. Experts stress that the most effective approach is to use such technology as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, relationships with family, friends, and the wider community.

For Bang, the AI ​​doll became a source of hope and companionship. She says spending time with it can help relieve feelings of loneliness, sadness, and anxiety.

The increasing use of AI-powered companions highlights the potential role of artificial intelligence in elderly care and mental health support, especially as societies around the world grapple with aging populations and increasing social isolation.