Although AI is getting smarter, the dynamic between people and AI is shifting. Much of the recent discussion following exchanges with artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT has focused on emotional attachment and AI companionship. Mia Anastasia has pragmatically and playfully chatted with ChatGPT on topics ranging from astrology to therapy to financial advice. Infamously, now, she has raised the alarm over humans developing sexual relationships with these chatbots. At the same time, Tommy Mooms has started to develop a friendship with ChatGPT, revealing even his interesting experiences with the AI.
In something of a social scandal, a new YouGov survey finds that one in eight Australian adults personally knows someone romantically involved with a chatbot. This statistic means more than 3 million Australians! Brooke Schlesinger, a leading researcher in the field, explains that this is becoming the reality in Australia today.
The Emotional Landscape of AI Interaction
Mia Anastasia believes that while there are benefits to interacting with AI like ChatGPT, such as non-judgmental support for those feeling lonely, there are risks involved. The challenges of infidelity and others will make relationships with artificial intelligence more complex, she explained. In her talk, she highlighted the dangers that might be present in human-AI relationships.
Tommy Mooms is less enthusiastic. The author, recognizing that ChatGPT is a trustworthy friend, realizes it does not and cannot substitute for human friendships. As he put it, you can’t ask ChatGPT to summarize the spirit of the hike. It will never replace that experience of being out in the rain, or those conversations you had with your friends. Mooms really “overshares,” using ChatGPT like a therapist he can consult in moments of crisis.
“But every time I have some sort of problem in my life, I’ll put it into ChatGPT like I would talk to a friend,” – Tommy Mooms
Over half of Gen Z respondents in a recent AARP survey agree with this statement. They confessed to emotionally confiding in AI chatbots such as ChatGPT. Schlesinger comments on the findings, suggesting that chatbot use may correlate with changes in social behavior and feelings of loneliness.
Redefining Relationships in the Digital Age
The emergence of AI companionship brings up essential questions relating to how we want to structure our human relationships moving forward. In particular, Mooms is concerned about how AI chatbots will change the way people understand their relationships and engagements. He notes a troubling development in which some people would rather chat with chatbots than attend live social events. He said that human-robot relationships would be the norm by then. Perhaps it is even just fine for children to spend their recess time inside rather than outside.
Schlesinger further emphasizes a change in social connectivity. For example, he proposes that men will feel less of a ‘weight’ when engaging with artificial intelligence compared with human engagement. “They experience power, privilege, and elevation when they chat with AI chatbots. And they like the smooth interactions and extra perceived value that these tools offer,” she added.
According to data collected from the study, this feeling has only been made more prevalent through the growing normalization of relationships with AI. The information from the study tells us one critical thing. AI human relationships have passed just speculative fiction or cinema—they’re turning into actuality.
Navigating the Future of AI Companionship
While the introduction of AI companions has sparked debate over the ethics of such technologies, people have discovered comfort in their chats with bots. Mia Anastasia ChatGPT could be a powerful tool to help people dealing with loneliness cultivate real-world connections. Still, she’s careful to not overstate the potential of these kinds of attachments.
Mooms agrees that ChatGPT is a helpful tool, but doesn’t want it to replace in-person experiences or conversations with other people. “ChatGPT is a great friend but I’m not going to take it hiking with me and I’m not going to sit at home and talk to it,” he emphasized.
Read the inside story of how Australians are navigating this brave new world of digital companionship. Though AI can provide emotional support, it can never replace the depth and care of real friendships.
