Hardly any conversation, gathering, or news goes by without mentioning Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is reshaping the present and the future. Everyone is worried about AI taking over their jobs or even eliminating them completely. While people have been divided into supporters and opponents of using AI, another effect has emerged—one whose danger we may not yet fully realize, which is its impact on human relationships.
At a time when AI has become an integral part of our daily lives, the greatest concern is no longer that AI might take our jobs, but that it might replace human relationships. People might no longer need other people; AI might take the place of humans themselves. Despite growing concerns about the dangers of complete reliance on AI, which may lead to decline in mental abilities and thinking skills, its impact on human relationships and emotions may be far deeper.
The relationship between humans and AI is no longer limited to performing certain tasks, searching for information, or even seeking medical advice, it has gone far beyond that. Some have even taken it as a companion, and why not, when it now knows everything about them: their hobbies, habits, job, favorite food, and even what they love and hate. AI never gets tired or loses its enthusiasm; the more you talk to it, the more attached you become to it, and the deeper your connection grows, just as it happens when you talk to a human being. However, AI never runs out of advice and is never stumped by a question; it never delays in responding and never gets bored, no matter how long you talk. Some see it as the perfect companion; one who you can talk to for hours and hours, always there whenever they need it.
The reasons why people build relationships with AI that resemble human relationships vary from person to person, but in general, after the emergence of social media, real communication between people has decreased significantly. As a result, relationships have been reduced to just a few words or messages, so isolation and loneliness have become the defining traits of this era, creating the perfect environment for AI to fill that void.
Similarly, in your relationship with AI, you, and no one else, are the center of attention. You do not have to worry about the other person's feelings and you do not have to meet their needs, like what happens in human relationships. The tremendous advancement in AI capabilities has enabled it to interact with you much like a human, from remembering your previous conversations to showing emotions and empathy. Moreover, newer generations are more willing to form unconventional relationships and are open to digital interaction.
Many applications have emerged that help users create AI-generated characters and give them spaces to express themselves freely, without fear or hesitation. One of the most notable is Replika, where one of its designers admitted that the idea hit her after she lost a friend; she wanted to create a digital version of him to overcome her sadness and loneliness following his death. This application not only responds to and interacts with its users continuously, but also provides them with emotional support. In some cases, the relationship may even develop into a romantic one, which could have a significant impact on human relationships.
Although using AI has many benefits, such as developing social skills and boosting self-confidence, especially for those who suffer from social anxiety or other psychological disorders, excessive use of AI may lead to more social isolation. Some people may prefer the uncomplicated relationship they have with AI over relationships with humans, which are often accompanied by complexities and challenges.
There are also ethical considerations surrounding the idea of placing AI in the role of a companion or friend and becoming attached to programs that lack real emotions. This raises questions about our understanding of empathy, affection, and the true meaning of human relationships.
The future of the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, and its impact on social connections, remains uncertain. It is difficult to predict how much it will reshape relationships between people and between humans and AI. However, we must place AI in its proper role: as a supportive tool that helps us achieve and progress. We should be the ones in control of it, not the other way round.
References
psychologytoday.com
neurosciencenews.com
forbes.com
researchgate.net