One computer scientist suggests embracing human-machine relationships, while other experts approach the idea more cautiously
While Hollywood has often highlighted the dangers of forming relationships with artificial intelligence, one computer scientist argues that overlooking the potential benefits of human-machine relationships would be a mistake. Despite the challenges faced by characters like Joaquin Phoenix’s introverted and soon-to-be-divorced protagonist in the 2013 film Her, this professor believes we should be open to the emotional support that chatbots can offer.
Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield, suggests that AI could play a crucial role in combating human loneliness. Drawing parallels to the meaningful relationships people form with pets and the acceptance of children playing with dolls, Prescott argues for recognizing the potential value of AI companionship for adults.
“In a time when many individuals describe their lives as lonely, there might be merit in considering AI companionship as a form of reciprocal social interaction that is both stimulating and personalized,” Prescott states in his new book, The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence.
Prescott envisions AI as a tool that could help individuals on the verge of social isolation enhance their social skills by engaging in simulated conversations and interactions. These exercises, he suggests, could bolster self-confidence and reduce the likelihood of complete social withdrawal.
Prescott notes that human loneliness often manifests as a downward spiral, where isolation contributes to decreased self-esteem, which then discourages further social interaction. He suggests that AI companionship could potentially disrupt this cycle by providing support for feelings of self-worth and assisting in the maintenance or enhancement of social skills. If successful, relationships with AI could help individuals form connections with both humans and artificial entities.
The extent of the loneliness issue has become evident in recent years. In the UK, over 7%, or nearly four million individuals, are known to experience chronic loneliness, indicating they often or always feel lonely. According to a 2021 Harvard study, more than a third of Americans report feeling “serious loneliness,” with young adults and mothers with young children among the most affected.
The detrimental effects on well-being are also better understood. Last year, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy described an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” and its profound impact on public health. Loneliness is associated with increased risks of heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death, with an impact on mortality comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, he stated. Failure to address this issue, he added, would result in the US “continuing to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community or a country.”
The reality is more complex than the portrayal in the film “Her,” where Phoenix’s character finds love with a disembodied AI voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
The debate over whether AI can or should be part of the solution is not new. Sherry Turkle, a professor of social science at MIT, has cautioned that forming relationships with machines could backfire, leading to fewer secure and fulfilling human relationships.
Christina Victor, a professor of gerontology and public health at Brunel University, shares similar concerns. “I doubt [AI] would address loneliness, and I would question whether connections via AI can ever be meaningful, as our social connections are often framed by reciprocity and give older adults an opportunity to contribute as well as receive,” she said.
Murali Doraiswamy, a professor of psychiatry and medicine at Duke University in North Carolina, stated, “Right now, all the evidence points to having a close human friend as the best solution for loneliness. But until society prioritizes social connectedness, robots are a solution for the millions of people who have no friends.
“We need to be careful to build in rules to ensure they are moral and trustworthy, and that privacy is protected.”
However, Prescott argues that the risks should be weighed against the potential benefits. “Although AIs cannot provide friendship in the same way as other humans, not all the relationships we find valuable are symmetrical,” he writes.
Researchers may soon determine if individuals seek companionship from AI. Technology companies are enhancing chatbots to be more articulate and sensitive to emotions. Recently, it was revealed that OpenAI approached Johansson to lend her voice to their newest chatbot, GPT-4o, aiming to “help users feel at ease.” Johansson declined, yet the chatbot was launched with a voice resembling hers, as confirmed by friends and family. However, OpenAI has now suspended the voice option “out of respect for Ms. Johansson.”