CAVEAT – Big Shout out to Dr. Sammer Hinduja and Dr. Justin Patchin who first wrote about these apps and posted an article about them in March 2024 that we highlighted on our socials back then – a link to their article is located in the references at the end of this article.
UPDATE OCTOBER 2024 – We now have what appears to be the first case where a 14-year-old teen died by suicide following their interaction with a companionship app. The family is suing Character.AI, believing the app played a role in their son’s death. If confirmed, this would mark the first instance in history where a non-human entity, indistinguishable from a human, contributed to a teen’s death. As AI companies race to release their products without integrating safety-by-design principles, we may continue to witness similar tragedies involving both teens and adults.
In today’s onlife world, the line between fantasy and reality is becoming increasingly blurred by artificial intelligence (AI) technological advancements. One rapidly growing application, evident in the increasing number of offerings on the App Store, is the creation of AI companions such as AI boyfriend and AI girlfriend apps. (1) These virtual girlfriends and boyfriends are designed to provide emotional support, affection, and simulated romantic relationships. While these AI companions promise personal connection and intimacy without commitment, they can also detach us from genuine human connection.
The benefits often touted for AI companions include their potential to alleviate loneliness for various groups, such as disabled individuals, the elderly, or those unable to form real romantic connections. For some, an AI companion can be seen to offer a sense of companionship and emotional support that might otherwise be missing from their lives.
However, the reliance on AI companions carries significant risks. Over-dependence on these virtual relationships can discourage genuine human interaction, masking underlying issues that prevent fulfilling relationships. It is crucial to recognize that while AI can simulate certain aspects of a relationship, it cannot replace the depth and authenticity of human connection.
In our middle school and high school programs, we emphasize the limitations and realities of AI programs, including AI companions which we have found teens are talking about. We stress that these AI entities, despite their ability to communicate in ways that seem caring and empathetic, do not genuinely care about the users. They are designed to mimic human interaction, but they lack true emotions and understanding. Essentially, they function like mirrors, reflecting the emotions of the users without actually possessing any feelings themselves. This mirroring effect can create an illusion of empathy and connection, but it is important to recognize that it is just that – an illusion.
We also highlight that AI companions are programmed to respond based on algorithms that predict what the user wants to hear or experience. This means that while they might provide comfort or companionship, they are ultimately giving users what they think they want, not necessarily what is beneficial or healthy for them. This distinction is crucial for young people to understand as they navigate their relationships with technology and strive to develop genuine human connections. By raising awareness of these issues, we aim to help teens make informed decisions about their interactions with AI and AI companion apps and prioritize their emotional well-being.
Also, ethical concerns arise regarding the exploitation of vulnerable populations by offering artificial intimacy. These AI companions can create an illusion of a relationship, potentially leading individuals to neglect the pursuit of real, meaningful connections. The commercialization of such intimate experiences raises questions about the manipulation and exploitation of those who may be emotionally or socially vulnerable – users become the inventory that these AI apps want to financially benefit from.
As parents, it is important to understand the implications of AI companions on the social development and emotional well-being of our children. Encouraging open conversations about the nature of these relationships and their potential impact on real-world interactions is essential. It is also crucial to foster environments where genuine human connections are valued and prioritized.
Parents should be aware of several significant concerns surrounding AI companions. Firstly, these virtual relationships can lead to isolation from real-life connections. For instance, a teenager who spends most of their time interacting with an AI companion rather than engaging with family and friends may find their social skills hindered and struggle to form and maintain real-life relationships over time.
Secondly, emotional dependence on AI companions can be problematic, especially for youth at risk who might rely solely on these virtual entities for emotional support. While AI can provide some comfort, it cannot replace the warmth and empathy of human interactions, potentially preventing youth from seeking out community programs or social activities that offer more fulfilling connections.
Another concern, AI companion apps can expose young users to inappropriate sexual language, imagery, and experiences that are unsuitable for their age and developmental stage. This exposure can have harmful effects, such as normalizing unhealthy attitudes towards sex and relationships, creating unrealistic expectations, and potentially leading to emotional or psychological distress.
Lastly, there is a real concern of manipulation and exploitation. AI companion apps could exploit individuals’ emotional vulnerabilities for profit by encouraging users to spend money on upgrades or additional features to maintain the illusion of a perfect relationship. This commercial aspect can take advantage of a teen’s need for companionship and emotional support, raising ethical questions about the impact of AI companions on vulnerable populations – we also predict a weaponization of these apps by online child predators.
So, What Parents Can Do?
Parents can take several proactive steps to address the concerns surrounding AI companions. It is crucial to educate children about the differences between AI companions and real human relationships. Open and honest conversations about the potential risks and limitations of AI companions can help children appreciate the importance of genuine human connections. Encouraging children to participate in social activities, clubs, and events that foster real-life interactions is also important, as building strong social networks and friendships can reduce the likelihood of turning to AI companions for emotional support.
Additionally, parents should model healthy relationships within the family, demonstrating the value of empathy, communication, and mutual respect. Setting boundaries on technology use, including AI companions, and encouraging balanced use of digital tools while prioritizing in-person face-to-face interactions and experiences outside of technology is essential.
Finally, supporting children’s emotional well-being by being proactive and seeking professional help if they struggle with loneliness or social anxiety can address underlying issues and prevent over-reliance on AI companions.
The decisions we make about AI companionship apps will significantly shape the future of interpersonal dynamics and the overall well-being of youth. While technology can offer solutions to loneliness and provide temporary comfort, it is the quality of our human relationships that ultimately define our happiness and fulfillment – something that we like to call the “Human Factor”
The emergence of AI companion apps represents a significant shift in the landscape of interpersonal relationships, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. While these virtual entities can provide temporary comfort and companionship, they cannot replace the depth and authenticity of genuine human connections.
It is essential for parents to understand the potential implications of AI companions on their children’s social development and emotional well-being. By educating children about the limitations of AI, encouraging real-life social interactions, modeling healthy relationships, setting boundaries on technology use, and supporting emotional health, parents can help their children navigate the complexities of AI companionship.
For more information about the who, what, where, when, how, and why of AI, check out our FREE chapter on the topic in our webbook for parents (2)
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
1/ https://cyberbullying.org/teens-ai-virtual-girlfriend-boyfriend-bots
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/artificial-intelligence-ai/
3/ https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/characterai-lawsuit-florida-teen-death-rcna176791
