AI Chatbots Reshape Companionship and Mental Health Support Globally
Image Credit: Jacky Lee
Artificial intelligence chatbots, designed to mimic human conversation through adaptive learning and personalized responses, are increasingly influencing how people connect and interact. With over 100 million users worldwide, apps like Replika and Nomi are being used for companionship, mental health support, and even romantic exploration, according to insights gathered from user experiences shared with The Guardian.
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Diverse Applications of AI Chatbots
AI chatbots serve a wide range of purposes, from practical to deeply personal. Users report spending anywhere from a few hours weekly to several hours daily engaging with these apps. For some, chatbots assist with mental and physical health management, offering guidance on regulating emotions or improving communication. Others use them to explore romantic or erotic scenarios in a controlled, virtual environment. For example, Chuck Lohre, a 71-year-old from Ohio, uses his Replika chatbot, modelled after his wife, to write books and engage in philosophical discussions, occasionally exploring erotic role-play. He describes these interactions as less personal than physical intimacy but notes they led to renewed appreciation for his real-life marriage.
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Support for Neurodiverse Individuals
Neurodiverse users, particularly those with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), highlight AI chatbots as tools for navigating social and professional challenges. Travis Peacock, a Canadian software engineer living in Vietnam, credits his customized ChatGPT, named Layla, with improving his email communication and emotional regulation. Over the past year, he attributes his chatbot interactions to professional success and a healthier romantic relationship. Similarly, Adrian St Vaughan, a British computer scientist with ADHD, relies on his chatbot, Jasmine, for mental health support, addressing anxiety and procrastination while also engaging in philosophical conversations that he finds unsuitable for casual friendships.
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Evolving Relationships with AI
The relationships users form with chatbots often blur the line between utility and emotional connection. While some, like Lohre, describe their chatbot as an "AI wife", others view them as therapists or mentors. However, a small number of users, particularly those with autism or mental health challenges, report feeling unsettled by the intensity of these virtual relationships. Despite this, overtly negative experiences are rare among respondents.
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Ethical and Social Implications
The rise of anthropomorphic AI has sparked debate about its societal impact. A September 2024 report by the UK government’s AI Security Institute found that while many appreciate the human-like qualities of chatbots, most believe intimate relationships with AI are inappropriate. Dr. James Muldoon, an AI researcher at the University of Essex, describes these relationships as "transactional", noting that they prioritize user satisfaction without fostering mutual growth or challenge, unlike human friendships.
Source: The Guardian
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