Commonwealth Policy Center

Are you struggling to find a boyfriend or girlfriend? Some companies say that artificial intelligence may be the answer. Several apps have created “companion bots.” These are chat programs that simulate a romantic partner. One of these programs claims to help its users feel “cared, understood and loved.” You might be wondering how can this be serious, especially since loneliness was a declared a public health crisis in the United States last year. It should be clear that replacing real human companionship with technology will likely increase loneliness. This is because simulated conversations can never replace human friendship and love. We are embodied creatures who live in real places and need real relationships and emotions. And this is something that AI and technology can never replace.