AI’s Empathy is an Unhealthy Addiction

Author(s): Souvik Sarkar

Originally published on Towards AI.

New research reveals the risk of a one-sided relationship.

It’s always available. It remembers every small detail of your life. It offers unfailing support and is free of the messy demands of human relationships.

As AI becomes an increasingly reliable source of emotional support, research highlights the risks associated with forming one-sided attachments that can lead to dependency and social isolation. Users often find comfort in AI’s unwavering support; however, studies suggest that these relationships can encourage unhealthy behaviors. An innovative research approach involves deploying AI systems to monitor conversations, aiming to identify when interactions transition into parasocial dynamics, which is essential for creating healthier digital environments and ensuring AI systems nurture rather than hinder human social connections.

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Published via Towards AI