As AI companions emerge as virtual friends or romantic partners, experts are raising concerns about the impact of this technology on our social interactions and personal relationships.
Kasley Killam, the author behind the book centered on social health titled “The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier,” suggests that while AI can offer some advantages in practicing social skills, it should serve to enhance, not replace, our genuine relationships and face-to-face connections.
During a panel discussion at the SXSW conference in Austin on Friday, the social health expert and Harvard School of Public Health alum expressed her doubts over AI’s ability to enhance social skills.
Killam pointed out that AI companies often promote their virtual companions as tools for people to rehearse conversations and improve their social skills for real-life situations.
“While that might be the case,” she cautioned, “this kind of practice should never take the place of authentic human connections.”
“I envision a society where individuals feel at ease and have ample chances to engage in face-to-face practice—if we incorporate this into our educational systems and implement it in real-life scenarios, it can become an integral part of navigating life,” Killam remarked.
The author also revealed that her research uncovered that “hundreds of millions” of individuals are already turning to AI for companionship, whether as friends, lovers, spouses, or others.
Recent research from Appfigures, an app intelligence firm, highlighted that AI companion apps experienced a staggering 652% revenue growth year-over-year in 2024, raking in $55 million in consumer spending throughout the year. The United States led this market, accounting for 30.5% of total spending on these applications.
“I have mixed feelings about this,” Killam acknowledged. “On one side, I worry that we are fostering a culture in which individuals feel compelled to seek AI for companionship. That is a troubling notion. However, I also believe that if these interactions supplement our in-person relationships, they could be beneficial.”
Killam conceded that AI chatbots such as ChatGPT might have their uses at times, but she emphasized that these tools should be regarded as “part of our social health toolkit,” rather than substitutes for authentic relationships.
“A key aspect of social health is diversifying your social sources; it’s crucial not to rely solely on one,” she stated. “You interact with friends, coworkers, the barista, and others. If AI becomes one of those channels, I’m open to it.”
“The challenge arises when it becomes the primary or sole source of social engagement.”
She further discussed various ways in which technology intersects with social health, including the loneliness crisis, our culture of constant busyness, and the tendency for people to scroll through social media or consume media for entertainment rather than engaging with others.
She encouraged individuals to occasionally reach out to friends via call or text during their downtime instead of immediately resorting to technology for diversion.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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