The Naked Truth | Why AI girlfriends or boyfriends via romantic chatbot apps could cause real-life harm
- People ‘dating’ an AI risk losing the skills vital for real-life communication and dating, trapping them in a vicious cycle of loneliness
Developing an emotional connection with an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot once seemed like science fiction, reminiscent of the 2013 American sci-fi romcom Her, which tells the story of a lonely man who forms a relationship with a virtual assistant personified by a female voice.
Today, AI partnerships have become more common, with some individuals engaging in “committed” relationships for companionship and emotional support, effectively alleviating loneliness thanks to 24/7 availability.
AI partners are popular because they are fundamentally non-judgmental, providing a safe space for their human counterparts to freely express themselves.
These AI partners can be customised to meet individual preferences and needs, fostering a more personalised connection.
“AI partners are available 24/7 without expectations of reciprocal interaction. This level of convenience is often unrealistic in human relationships,” says Dr Quratulain Zaidi, a clinical psychologist at MindnLife in Hong Kong.
“AI companions are endlessly patient and perfectly tailored partners, catering to our innate desires for unconditional validation and being heard, understood and accepted.”
