Bethany Alvaro 
Monash University has led a new study examining how AI chatbots are not alternatives to social interaction and risk deepening the social isolation issues already facing younger generations.
Young people are lonelier than ever, with over 40 per cent of young Australians reporting feelings of loneliness and one in seven experiencing persistent loneliness for over two years.
And AI is only making it worse.
“Encouraging people to have imaginary friends is no solution to social isolation,” said the lead researcher, Professor Robert Sparrow.
“A digital companion might make someone feel less lonely for a moment, but it doesn’t change the fact that they’re still alone.
“There’s a real danger that digital companions will become a cheap substitute for genuine human connection and care.”
Following the study, researchers concluded that the increasingly prevalent ways in which companies market their AI tools as friendly, attentive, and essentially, as an emotional being, is highly unethical.
The problem is that vulnerable users at risk of social connectivity issues may become reliant on these inanimate tools that offer no real connection, thus propelling social isolation, inability to interact with others, and skewed views on interpersonal relationships.
Researchers also made mention of how designing AI-powered “social robots” for eldercare services and environments is an inherently disrespectful and inhumane approach to caring for older generations.
“AI companions are being touted as a solution to the problem of eldercare workers, yet every interaction that older people have with a robot is one less opportunity for them to interact with a human,” said Sparrow.
“These digital companions are marketed as the answer to an ageing population, despite the fact they would not be considered desirable if directed towards younger people.”
Despite the establishment of ethical frameworks and guidelines to address the changing, more emotional and personal use of AI in contemporary society, no legislation currently requires companies to adhere to such guides.
“Providing people with AI imaginary friends in place of genuine policy reform lets governments off the hook and risks making the problem worse,” Sparrow said.