Far from comforting us, AI could worsen our loneliness

As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes widespread and promises to bring comfort to isolated people, a recent study reveals a paradoxical and worrying finding. The proliferation of virtual interactions through platforms like ChatGPT could, in fact, intensify feelings of loneliness among the most vulnerable users. Far from fostering social connections, these digital exchanges risk trapping individuals in a cycle where technological dependence gradually replaces authentic human interaction. Touted as potential companions for lonely souls, artificial intelligence (AI) such as chatbots actually risk exacerbating feelings of loneliness among their users. A recent study conducted by MIT and OpenAI suggests that frequent interaction with chatbots can lead to a decrease in real-life social interactions and a worrying emotional dependence. This phenomenon, although it appears to offer temporary comfort, could have negative consequences on users’ long-term social well-being if concrete measures are not implemented. An increase in loneliness despite initial promises While artificial intelligence may have appeared as a solution to keep isolated people company, a study based on the analysis of nearly 40 million interactions on the ChatGPT platform reveals a more complex reality. Indeed, users already experiencing loneliness, who use these technological tools intensively, paradoxically experience a decrease in their social well-being. Rather than filling an emotional void, AI seems to deepen it even further. Effects comparable to social media Researchers have found that the intensive use of chatbots

participates in a negative spiral, similar to that observed with the overuse of social media or video games. The more the use of these virtual interactions increases, the more loneliness and dependency set in, to the detriment of authentic social connections. The phenomenon of social comparison exacerbated by social networks accentuates this vicious circle, where despite apparent sociability, the reality reveals growing isolation. Voice chatbots: an illusory improvement? While the use of voice chatbots initially seemed promising by giving the impression of human interaction, the results have proven disappointing in the long term. Although a human voice can temporarily soothe loners, this improvement fades over time, and the effect becomes more negative when the voice used is neutral.

A double-edged economic model

This emotional dependency also raises ethical questions regarding the economics of artificial intelligence . With subscription-based models, companies operating these chatbots could profit from users gradually becoming captive. This is not without risk, as evidenced by tragic cases, such as the suicide of a Belgian man in 2023, linked to the intensive use of these tools. Propose concrete solutions to break the cycle. **To address these worrying findings, researchers advocate a more integrative approach that encompasses both the technical and psychological aspects of interactions with AI. In-depth education in digital technologies, combined with an understanding of the emotional pitfalls they can pose, is crucial. However, solutions must not be limited to technical adjustments. Social reality is at stake, requiring a rethinking of how our society connects virtually.**Promoting tangible human interactions and reducing loneliness requires in-depth societal reflection. The development of physical meeting spaces, promoting authentic social connections, is essential to counter the isolating effect potentially exacerbated by the excessive use of artificial intelligence chatbots. Without this, there is a great risk that AI will not fill the gap in human relationships, but rather contribute to their scarcity.

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