The technology we use today affects almost every part of our daily lives. And sometimes, we do not even expect it. Just imagine not having a smartphone in your hands or not using the internet for a few days. How else would you watch your favorite Netflix series?
Will there be an easy way for you to order your weekly groceries? How will you stay in touch with your friends? The way we connect with each other has changed as a big part of our lives moves online.
We likely text and write to our family and friends more than we talk to them in person these days. In a way, new technologies are changing not only how we work, learn, and move, but also how we think, act, and feel.
How Did the Internet Rewrite Our Reality?
Is modern technology making us feel more (or less) connected to other people? Even though it’s never been easier to connect with others, why do so many still want to be committed or have someone they can talk to?
In fact, more people than ever are feeling lonely. Research has shown that it can hurt people’s health just as much as smoking, so it has been called a “global public health concern.” For instance, 26 million people in the UK say they feel lonely.
Put another way, if you feel lonely, know that you’re not alone. The good news is that this issue is being fixed with modern technology. Thus, with an AI boyfriend online chat, you will not feel lonely or bored. What else can modern technology offer? Let’s dig deeper.
Love With AI Is a New Reality
Technology is getting better faster than ever, and AI is getting ready to help you with more complex and important tasks than just checking the weather or turning on the lights. People all over the world are now really into ChatGPT and other similar tools.
As our interactions with technology become more personalized to the point where they challenge traditional ideas of companionship, you can’t help but wonder if AI can also help people who are lonely or even cure them. Could AI replace real relationships with people instead of “just” adding to or supplementing their needs and abilities?
Communication changes and AI’s creeping into what seems like more and more parts of our lives have definitely made us more open to and comfortable with AI companies. You can get all the texts, banter, and friendly support you need online without leaving the house.
There’s also no guilt for replying late, no social awkwardness from talking to new people “in real life,” and no worries about being a “bad friend” for not asking about their life.
What’s not to like? It looks like a lot of us are already sold on the idea. As part of a recent poll, more than 70% of people said they thought AI robots could help reduce loneliness.
At the same time, more than 50% reported they thought the growth of AI technology could make people’s lives overall much better. A very exciting thought is that AI could be used to help people who are dealing with loneliness.
What’s good about AI relationships?
- 24/7 availability — Obviously, your AI friend doesn’t have any other plans, so they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer support and company whenever you need it. This would be great if you live alone and want to talk about your day with someone in the evening. Also, if your daily life doesn’t give you the exciting human contact and support you’d like, a quick “hi” to the checker can only take you so far.
- Judgment-free communication — It can be hard to share some facts of our lives with other people. In real life, being honest can make relationships stronger, but with an AI partner, we can say what we want without worrying about being judged or criticized. If you’re shy or have a skill or interest that not many people share, an AI partner can help you talk about your thoughts and feelings.
- Customized experiences — AI partners can be changed to fit your needs; you can even have one made to look like your favorite star or leader. With this feature, you can make your AI friend share your hobbies and help you pursue your goals with new information and experiences. This is great if you need a little extra help to finish your first book or put on your gardening gloves.
What’s bad about AI relationships?
- Lack of real emotion — AI partners can fake feelings and empathy, but they can’t really understand and care about you the way human relationships do. This could lead to a shallow relationship that doesn’t meet your mental needs. Your AI friend will never be able to connect or compare their life to yours because they don’t have any.
- Dependency risks — Depending on AI for the company could make people lonely and stop them from making real bonds with other people. Over time, you might rely on your online friends more and feel less need to hang out with other people “in real life.” If you haven’t gone to Sunday lunch with your friends for seven weeks in a row, it could hurt your real-life relationships.
- Limited understanding — AI partners may find it hard to understand how people feel and what’s going on around them. To be fair, many humans do, too. This could make people respond in ways that aren’t as helpful. This means that if you want to complain about your day to someone and your AI friend replies with logic instead of empathy, it could make you feel even worse!
Making a Safe Place for AI to Hang Out with People
The idea of AI friendship is a fresh and exciting way to meet people’s needs for support and relationships. AI friendship could make a big difference in reducing loneliness. It could even become an expert at helping people who are having mental health or relationship problems.
However, there is no “one size fits all” answer, and different people may react differently to the same message, especially if they can’t see the other person’s body language to figure out the tone or greater meaning.
