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Aye Chatbots are increasingly being used to make decisions, but experts warn they are also becoming a popular choice companionship and emotional support,
almost half of adults in Britain Report feeling lonelyOne in ten people are experiencing chronic loneliness -Feeling lonely often or always.
Given the large number of people struggling LonelinessIt’s not surprising that people are looking to alternative sources for companionship and emotional support, said the authors of a report published in British Medical Journal (BMJ) said.
He said there is “the worrying possibility that we may see a generation learning to form emotional bonds with entities that lack human-like capacity for empathy, care and relational cohesion”.
The report, written by Dr Susan Shelmerdine of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and consultant psychiatrist Matthew Noor, highlighted the risks and benefits of using AI to tackle loneliness and called for studies to explore the risks of human-chatbot interactions.
Among young people, a study found that one third of teens use AI companions for social interaction, one in ten reported that AI conversations are more satisfying than human conversations, and one in three reported that they would choose AI companions over humans for serious conversations.
Another study conducted by the charity Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) found that a quarter of teenagers in the UK have turned to an AI chatbot for mental health support in the past year.
The authors of the BMJ report proposed that physicians should ask patients about their chatbot use to ascertain whether it is problematic, particularly during the holiday period when vulnerable populations are most at risk, followed by asking questions to assess compulsive use patterns, dependence, and emotional attachment if necessary.
However, the authors acknowledge that AI chatbots may have benefits for improving access and support for individuals experiencing loneliness.
Psychologists agree that AI can be beneficial when asking for tips about what to do if you’re lonely, but it should not take the place of human support.
Chartered psychologist Dr Audrey Tang explains, “Replacing our social circles and real-life opportunities with chatbots is a frightening prospect for a young person’s emotional well-being.” Independent,
“Social media and other forms of technology can simulate company, but this is not the fundamental connection that many humans want, or is healthy in the long run.”
Dr. Roman Raczka, president of the British Psychological Society, warned, “AI is not a silver bullet,” especially when it comes to cutting mental health waiting lists.
“AI offers many benefits to society, but it should not replace the human support needed for mental health care. Instead, tools like chatbots should be used to complement existing services that help people who need mental health support,” said Dr. Raczka.
“AI cannot mimic genuine human empathy, and there is a risk that it creates the illusion of connection rather than meaningful interaction. Concerns also remain about data privacy and the dangers of relying too heavily on technology. That said, when used appropriately, AI can provide an anonymous, judgment-free space that is accessible 24/7. It could be a useful addition to existing personal mental health services.”