AI could offer companionship to lonely people

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology could offer companionship to lonely people amid an international epidemic of loneliness, says a robotics expert.

May 27 2024Taylor & Francis Group Artificial Intelligence technology could offer companionship to lonely people amid an international epidemic of loneliness, says a robotics expert.

Loneliness has been found to seriously impair human health, and Professor Prescott makes a case that advances in AI technology could offer a partial solution. The impact of loneliness Loneliness – or social disconnection – is more harmful to human health than obesity, according to a 2023 report. It can increase the risk of premature death by 26% and is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression and anxiety. The extent of the problem is striking: in the UK 3.8 million people are experiencing chronic loneliness.

"There may be ways in which AI companionship could help break this cycle by scaffolding feelings of self-worth and helping maintain or improve social skills. If so, relationships with AIs could support people to find companionship with both human and artificial others." He does suggest this is not without risk, however, as it could be 'designed to encourage users to interact for longer and longer periods and to keep them coming back', and suggests regulation may be needed.

 

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