AI and Social Connection: Expert Warns of Risks

The Impact of AI Companions on Human Connection

As artificial intelligence companions gain popularity, functioning as virtual friends or even romantic partners, experts are beginning to analyze the potential effects on genuine social interactions and relationships.

Kasley Killam, the author of “The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier,” posits that utilizing AI can offer benefits as a means of practicing social engagement.

Augmenting, Not Replacing, Relationships

However, Killam emphasizes that this technology should serve to supplement, rather than substitute, our existing personal connections and real-world interactions.

During a panel discussion at the SXSW conference in Austin, the social health expert – a Harvard School of Public Health graduate – voiced her skepticism regarding AI’s capacity to genuinely enhance social skills.

AI companies frequently promote their companions as tools for rehearsing conversations and refining social abilities for application in everyday life.

While acknowledging this potential benefit, Killam cautioned against allowing such practice to supersede authentic, in-person connections.

“A society where individuals feel at ease and have ample opportunities to practice social skills face-to-face is ideal,” she stated. “Integrating this into education and real-time practice would make it a valuable life skill.”

Widespread Adoption of AI Companions

Killam’s research revealed that “hundreds of millions” of individuals are already employing AI as a “friend, lover, husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend.”

Data from Appfigures, an app intelligence firm, indicates substantial growth in the AI companion mobile app market.

• Revenue increased by over 652% year-over-year in 2024.
• Consumer spending reached $55 million.
• The U.S. accounted for 30.5% of total consumer expenditure.

Concerns and Potential Benefits

Killam expressed a duality of feelings regarding this trend.

She voiced concern that the increasing reliance on AI for companionship reflects a cultural shift where people feel a need to turn to technology for connection.

Conversely, she suggested that AI could be beneficial when used in conjunction with, rather than as a replacement for, in-person relationships.

AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, can be valuable tools, but Killam recommends integrating them as “part of our portfolio” for social health, not as a substitute for genuine relationships.

The Importance of Diverse Social Sources

A core principle of social health, according to Killam, is the importance of diverse social connections.

Individuals should not solely rely on a single source of socialization, such as a romantic partner.

Maintaining friendships, interacting with colleagues, and engaging in casual conversations with people like baristas contribute to overall social well-being.

AI can be a valid source of social interaction, but it should not become the primary or sole source.

Technology's Broader Impact on Social Health

Killam also addressed the intersection of technology and social health in other areas.

These include its influence on the loneliness epidemic, our culture of constant “busyness,” and the tendency to fill idle moments with social media scrolling or media consumption instead of human interaction.

She proposed a simple solution: choosing to call or text a friend during downtime, rather than immediately resorting to technology for entertainment.