AI companions emerge as a tool and risk for social connection

The rise of AI companions is reshaping social interactions as individuals turn to technology to combat growing loneliness. While these platforms provide consistent, non-judgmental interaction and can help users build conversational confidence, experts warn of significant psychological risks.

Psychologist Paul Bloom notes that while AI may benefit the elderly or isolated, it poses a danger to younger generations who require the challenges of real-world relationships to develop social skills. Similarly, research suggests that excessive reliance on chatbots may paradoxically increase loneliness if they replace rather than supplement human connection.

Richard Fabes of Arizona State University suggests a shift in how these technologies are designed. Rather than using engagement metrics that foster dependency, he proposes a framework of ‘synthetic resonance’ and ‘productive friction,’ where AI is programmed to provide constructive pushback to help improve a user's real-world interpersonal skills.