Millions of people struggling with loneliness are now making Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots their friends and partners to get support. Professor Paul Bloom of Yale University believes that in the future, AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini can prove to be a great cure for the disease of loneliness. At the same time, experts have also warned about its serious disadvantages.
Systems will be helpful for these people
- Speaking on Sam Harris’ Making Sense podcast, Yale University psychology professor Paul Bloom says that in the future, AI systems like ChatGPT, Cloud or Gemini can prove to be very helpful for those who are struggling with loneliness.
- He said that if a new version of AI comes in the future, which can reduce the pain and loneliness of lonely people, then it will be no less than a boon. This would be a wonderful thing and would prove to be an excellent cure for a serious problem like loneliness.
- Professor Bloom has said this when many people in America are becoming victims of loneliness. The American Psychological Association conducted a survey on 3,199 people, in which it was revealed that more than half, about 54% of the people, often feel that they are isolated from others i.e. alone.
- Apart from this, the remaining 69% people said that in the last one year, they did not get as much emotional support as they needed. For some people, AI companions are now filling this gap.
Seeking help to overcome loneliness
People say they are forming friendships and even romantic relationships with these chatbots and are turning to them for conversation, encouragement, and loneliness.
It will be difficult to maintain relationships with humans
Bloom believes that the qualities that make AI companions comfortable may also cause problems in the long run. Unlike real human relationships, AI chatbots never get restless, they never apologize to us, nor do they point out our wrong behavior. Professor Bloom says that AI is designed in such a way that it is always ready to help us. Therefore, if a person spends too much time with these chatbots, it can have a very bad effect on his mind. The result will be that he will no longer be able to interact and maintain relationships with real humans.
The feeling of understanding pain and suffering may decrease.
- Research studying the impact of AI on social behavior has also raised similar concerns. Earlier this year, Harvard University researcher Anat Perry issued a warning. He had said that if people use AI too much, they may lose the ability to understand the pain and suffering of others.
- Because of AI, people can stop thinking about their mistakes and seeing things from the perspective of others, because AI weakens the feedback or learning that the human brain needs to learn all these things.
- One concern is that AI systems reinforce users’ views rather than challenge them. A Stanford-led study of 2,405 people found that chatbots were much more likely than humans to agree with users during conflict. Critics say it may reduce opportunities for people to compromise, accept criticism, or reconsider their own behavior, skills that are most essential to healthy human relationships.
About the authorMona DixitMona Dixit is an experienced journalist in the world of technology and gadgets. She is currently associated with Times Online as the Principal Digital Content Producer. Active in the field of journalism for the last 9 years, Mona has closely observed and covered the changing landscape of technology and consumer electronics. As a tech journalist, Mona specializes in reviews of new gadgets, launch events and changes happening in the world of AI. She not only keeps a keen eye on the latest smartphones, but also deeply examines audio devices and wearables. Mona also has a strong understanding of consumer electronics, AI innovation and the smartphone market. He is an expert in converting complex things of technology into simple life-hacks (Tips & Tricks) and accurately analyzing future technology. Mona believes that the real measure of technology is not just its ‘specifications’ but ‘user experience’. His real skill is to translate complex technical terminology into simple and colloquial language, so that even a common reader can take full advantage of the technology. For them the ultimate purpose of technology is to make life simpler and better. Mona’s real skill is to convey difficult technical information to the readers in easy and colloquial language. He believes that the real purpose of technology is to make life simpler. After Bachelor of Science, Mona has done post graduation in Journalism and Mass Communication from IMS Noida, Meerut University. Before joining Times Online, she had worked with leading technology websites – Techlusive and Newsbytes.… read more