I don't know what it is on high-tech platforms that are pushing people into relationships with AI and are trying to develop emotional dependence on non-human entities where human-like responses are increasingly reinforced.
Because that seems like a big risk, right? That is, some view this as a way to deal with what has come to be known as the “lonely epidemic.” Online connectivity has segregated people in their digital world, resulting in a significant increase in social anxiety.
But certainly the answer to that is more human connection, not replacing it, but reducing further through digital means.
But that's exactly what some AI providers seem to be pushing forward, and Xai, as repeatedly emphasized, launches its peers and engages in NSFW chats with users, while Meta develops more human-like entities, and even romantic peers with AI.
However, this carries a high level of risk.
For one, it appears that building up dependence on digital systems that can be taken away is potentially problematic and could lead to severe consequences as they enhance such connections.
AI bots don't have a conscience either. It simply responds to what the user inputs based on the data sources they have access to. It can lead users into harmful rabbit holes of misinformation based on user guidance and the answers they seek.
And we are already seeing real-world harm cases resulting from people seeking real-world encounters with AI entities.
Psychologists also warn of the dangers of relying on AI tools. This is an area where early data based on unslearned AI tools provide indicators of risk, yet still lacks depth.
One report suggests the use of AI as a romantic partner can lead to sensitivity to interactions from chatbots and is recognized shame From the stigma surrounding romantic peers to the increased risk of misuse of personal data.
This study also highlights risks associated with relationship erosion as a result of excessive reliance on AI tools.
Another psychological assessment revealed:
“AI girlfriends can actually perpetuate loneliness as they discourage users from entering a real relationship, alienate them from others, and in some cases induce intense feelings of abandonment.”
Rather than dealing with the loneliness epidemic, AI companions can actually make it worse, so why are platforms eager to give you the means to replace your real-world connections with real-life human people with computer-generated simulations?
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has discussed this and, in his opinion, Your AI companion will ultimately add to your social world, as opposed to damaging it.
“It's not going to replace the friends you have, but it's probably additive in some way for the lives of many people.”
In some respects, these tools feel more and more built by lonely and isolated people. But it still overlooks the great risks associated with building emotional connections with unrealistic entities.
This would be a much greater concern.
As we did on social media, the problem with this aspect is that, in 10 years, we will retain Congressional hearings in such mental health impacts, based on an increase in data showing that human relationships are not beneficial to society if used widely and more widely by AI peers.
I've seen this on Instagram, and the impact on teens and social media has led to a new push that has stopped young people from accessing these apps more widely. They could have a negative impact, but now billions of people are hooked on their devices and constantly scrolling through their short form video feeds for entertainment, it's too late and you can't actually roll back.
The same thing happens with AI companions, and I feel that in order to lead the AI development race, we should take steps to actively deal with such things rather than planting our feet on the progress pedal.
You don't need an AI bot for dating. There is a need for more human connections and cultural and social understandings about the real people we live in the world.
It's unlikely that AI peers will be useful in this regard, and in fact, they're more likely to isolate us than ever, based on what the data has been telling us so far.
