Surrounded by various apps and platforms, it makes sense to assume that people today are more connected than ever before. Yet, the harsh reality is often quite the opposite; this new age of technology brought about by social media, smartphones and the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence has left many people feeling increasingly isolated. In fact, many doctors and researchers now describe the rising levels of loneliness as a “loneliness epidemic.”
Loneliness can be characterized as “a subjective distressing experience that results from perceived isolation or inadequate meaningful connections,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said. Historically, loneliness has been combated by strengthening familial and social ties as well as increasing social interaction, however our modern approach differs vastly from those before us.
Our modern solution? Well, it should come as no surprise that lonely people around the world are trying to find a connection through a familiar avenue: technology. But it’s not just social media or dating apps anymore. Artificial intelligence (AI) companions are rapidly gaining popularity, created to mimic meaningful relationships and serve as personalized mental health support, often feeling unnaturally human.
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One Japanese AI platform called Gatebox, which was first released in 2019, has created a holographic companion to help combat the loneliness that comes with living alone. This platform has been advertised as “creating a sense of presence and companionship.” Gatebox uses advanced AI technology coupled with holographic projections to create a faux companion that can perform simple tasks, set reminders and even control smart home devices.
However, the world of AI is now changing from simple functioning companions to companions that offer therapy to help treat mental health disorders. One app called Wysa, which came out in 2016 and just recently expanded to teletherapy (remote mental health treatment), offers free care that is supposed to replicate therapy conducted by a human. For example, the chatbot asks questions like, “How are you feeling?” or “What’s bothering you?” and answers are then run through a program to form an appropriate supportive message.
With the increasing involvement of AI in our daily lives, mental health experts caution about the possible emotional impacts of these companions and teletherapy chatbots. One source says that the overuse of AI, especially as a means to combat social isolation and loneliness, can lead to a reliance on technology for emotional regulation. Psychologists also warn that using AI to combat these emotions can actually advance the problem further, making people more disconnected from real-world interactions and furthering the loneliness epidemic.
AI has also been credited as not being a long term solution to mental health problems because, over time, the emotional disconnect between human and AI “emotions” can lead to dissatisfaction. This is especially prevalent when people turn to AI and chatbots for therapy. Many therapists say that online therapeutic chatbots could possibly discourage potential patients from seeking the help of a licensed human professional. Serife Tekin, a professor and researcher in mental health ethics at the University of Texas at San Antonio said, “My worry is they will turn away from other mental health interventions saying, ‘Oh well, I already tried this and it didn’t work.’” This could potentially worsen individuals’ mental health struggles, leaving them in a more vulnerable state than where they began.
However, when used responsibly, AI can provide meaningful benefits. Unlike some human interactions, AI companions and chatbots are judgment-free. This can create a safe space for people to openly express their emotions and opinions without the fear of social repercussions. This is especially useful for those with social anxiety or those who struggle with being themselves around other people, as they may feel more comfortable talking to a robot rather than a human being whom they would have to build rapport and trust with. AI is also easily accessible, making mental health resources more available for those who may not have health insurance or cannot afford more traditional treatment methods. Additionally, AI is available 24/7, which allows people to always have a convenient resource at their fingertips.
In the end, AI is neither the root cause nor the solution to the loneliness epidemic and mental health challenges individuals face. Like every technological innovation, it is solely a tool that needs to be used responsibly at each user’s discretion. This means limiting interaction time with AI and other chatbots, coupling AI interaction with real human connections and knowing when to pull back from technology by setting firm boundaries. Learning how to improve our lives with technology rather than becoming reliant on it is a skill that needs to constantly be cultivated. As technology and AI evolve and become increasingly intertwined into our lives, learning how to balance the real world with our technological world can help us maintain the advantages of both.
A version of this article appeared on p.10 of the Feb. 6, 2025 edition of the Daily Nexus.
