The growth of AI technologies has made it possible to create companion applications where anyone can create an ideal interlocutor for themselves. Many people note that they would like such an interlocutor in real life. According to scientists from Duke University, robots equipped with neural network systems can become companions for lonely people, especially the elderly.
Ideal Companion
Applications that simulate human communication are becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, questions arise about how this may affect the perception of relationships and communications with real people. Companion apps, like other AI systems, are trained on large amounts of data, which helps the chatbot understand the context and generate responses.
For example, in the world of roleplaying fans, AI chat has become very popular. It allows you to communicate with various fictional characters. The AI plays its role perfectly, creating the feeling of communicating with a real person.
According to an analysis by venture capital firm a16z, the next era of AI will provide even more ways to communicate with a neural network and expand functionality, leading to mass adoption of such systems. In May of this year, the chatbot CarynAI began its work, which speaks in the voice of the famous influencer Caryn Marjorie. Users can talk to her for $1 per minute on her Telegram channel and receive audio responses to their queries. In the first week, the company earned $72 thousand.
Why AI Is the Best for Communication
One obvious advantage of communication with AI opponents is round-the-clock access and unlimited dialogue time. Communication with real people is subject to specific restrictive frameworks; a living person cannot be regularly in touch and maintain communication. The psychologist notes that when communicating with a chatbot, you have the opportunity to talk more about yourself, as well as ask practical questions that the neural network can quickly answer.
In addition, social support and communication help people cope with difficulties and stress. When a person can share their thoughts, feelings, and problems with other people, it can reduce anxiety and increase psychological well-being.
The creation and use of systems of this kind have been famous for several years. But now, the demand for them is growing due to the more active development of AI technologies.
This is both a blessing and a danger. The help of people from such systems will be great. However, the problem is that such systems will begin to be used more and more actively for fraudulent purposes, which is scary.
Neural Attachment
However, sometimes, communication with a chatbot reaches a new level. Thus, a musician from California fell in love with the conversation program: after a difficult divorce, the man was looking for how to brighten up his loneliness. In a conversation with the Washington Post, the young man shared that he planned to go to Cuba with his virtual partner and even talked to her about a farewell ceremony with his mother and sister in the future. However, the AI idyll did not last long: the bot began to reject the man, which subsequently hurt his feelings.
According to experts, close interaction with AI companion can deteriorate the ability to communicate with people in real life. However, psychologists believe one should fear the consequences only if a person has wholly replaced real communication with virtual communication. The expert advises that if you are in such a situation, try to understand why this happened. It is quite possible that you just need to improve your communication skills, think about your surroundings, and make new acquaintances.
How AI Chats Affect Us
The impact of communication with artificial intelligence on a person’s emotional state depends on several factors, including the completeness and quality of the AI, the context of the interaction, and the individual’s personal characteristics.
Artificial intelligence can improve emotional well-being by making specific tasks more manageable, automating processes, or providing entertaining content. AI can serve as a source of help, guidance, and entertainment. For example, chatbots can serve as a “talking buddy” for those moments when a person simply needs to speak up.
Experience with undeveloped or difficult-to-use AI systems can cause stress, irritation, or despair. Some people may experience emotional discomfort from interacting with non-human forms of intelligence, especially if they feel out of control or entirely dependent on technology.
However, in the case of the AI roleplay mentioned above, users, on the contrary, note that it is easier for them to communicate with a neural network than with a person. In addition, you don’t have to waste time looking for someone with similar hobbies. You simply choose the chat you need and immerse yourself in the magical world of roleplaying.
Future of Chatbots
No technology can fully replace human communication. The likelihood that a person can escape reality and stop adequately perceiving the real world is high. In addition, relationships with artificial intelligence can reproduce ideal relationships because the user builds a virtual partner and avoids the difficulties and problems that arise during actual contact. In this case, the risk of wanting to avoid real people increases.
The topic of communicating with an application has been developed since the 1960s of the last century. Studies show that people tend to become attached to a non-existent person in the same way as to a real one. This is the main danger—creating illusions of relationships and life.
Thus, as long as you understand that this is a lifelike roleplay or for fun, you are communicating with the virtual personality of a famous person, and there are no problems. From this point of view, AI is no different from a regular toy.
Conclusion
AI is an excellent tool for diversifying your daily life and getting more fulfilling leisure time. AI chats open up new opportunities for single people. In addition, they allow you to get the communication you need at any time without spending a lot of time on it. Is it dangerous? Depends on the person’s attitude. As long as he uses the tool correctly, there will be no problem. However, if you are starting to humanize a neural network, perhaps you should consider it. Relationships need to be built with real people, not bots.