As AI companions increasingly emerge as virtual friends or romantic partners, experts are scrutinizing the impact of this technology on our genuine social relationships and interactions.
Kasley Killam, the author of the book focused on social health titled “The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier,” suggests there might be advantages to utilizing AI as a means to refine social skills. However, she emphasizes that such technology should enhance—not supplant—real-life relationships.
During a panel at the SXSW conference in Austin on Friday, the Harvard School of Public Health alumna conveyed her doubts about AI’s ability to enhance social skills.
She remarked that while AI companies often promote their digital companions as tools for practicing conversation and social interaction, there’s a risk that such practice could undermine real-world connections.
“That can indeed be the case,” she acknowledged, “but we must be careful not to let this type of practice overshadow face-to-face relationships.”
Killam expressed a vision for a society where individuals can comfortably engage in social practice in person, suggesting that “if we instill this approach in our schools and encourage real-time interaction, it will be integrated into how we navigate life.”
The author also pointed out that her research uncovered that “hundreds of millions” of individuals are already turning to AI as companions—fulfilling roles such as friends, lovers, spouses, and partners.
Recent findings from Appfigures, an app analytics provider, reveal that AI companion apps experienced an impressive 652% yearly growth in revenue in 2024, including $55 million in consumer spending within the year. The United States led the market for these applications, accounting for 30.5% of total expenditures.
“I have mixed feelings regarding this trend,” Killam admitted. “While on one hand, I am worried that we are fostering a culture where individuals feel compelled to seek companionship from AI, on the other hand, if it’s used supplementary to our in-person interactions, that could be positive.”
Killam concurred that AI chatbots like ChatGPT can be beneficial in certain contexts, but she advised that these tools should serve as a “component of our social health toolkit,” rather than replacing authentic human relationships.
“A fundamental aspect of social health is the necessity of varied interactions, meaning that it’s important to connect with more than just one person. Your social life shouldn’t be limited to your romantic partner; you should engage with friends, speak with colleagues, and enjoy casual exchanges with others too. If AI serves as one avenue among many for this interaction, I am open to that.”
“The situation becomes problematic when AI becomes your primary source of social interaction.”
She also addressed concerns regarding technology’s intersection with social health, touching on issues like the loneliness epidemic, our entrenched culture of busyness, and the tendency for people to scroll social media or consume media to pass the time instead of engaging with one another.
She recommended reaching out to a friend via call or text during your break, instead of immediately resorting to technology for entertainment.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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