Most of us have gone through elementary school, middle school, and high school. Most of us have also experienced the awkward and often distressing social interactions that come with these ages. Whether it be friendships, or the beginnings of romantic relationships, and whether they are positive or negative interactions, we learn a lot through the correspondence we have with other people.
The internet has introduced more complicated aspects to these relationships. When conversations are had over text or over the phone, they do not produce the same genuine results that a conversation in person does. People are able to hide behind a screen and may have more confidence to say things that they would not say in person. Social media has also created problems with cyber bullying.
With the introduction of AI, and because it has been implemented into social media, it is easier for younger generations to have conversations with the generative robots. This can be somewhat beneficial, unless the adolescent becomes dependent on the AI for companionship. AI does not have emotions, and the relationship will never be genuine because there is no way for the bot to understand the user’s personality and emotions.
There have been many reports already of people beginning romantic relationships with an AI. AI generators do not have the same mental capacity as a human does, so anyone who enters a relationship with a bot is missing out on a key aspect. AI cannot give proper advice to someone because they cannot understand all sides of a situation. AI cannot remember a person for who they are, nor can they generate their own opinion about the person. AI will always agree with the user, and will not suggest an opposing view unless asked. Finally, AI is unable to take part in any intimacy with the person.
Anyone who enters a relationship with AI will be introduced to a false reality. Humans are much more complicated, so it will be difficult for the person to adjust to a healthy, successful relationship with another human in the future.
I am not surprised that people are developing personal relationships with AI, as they will always give the user the attention they desire. However, I think the issue is a dangerously slippery slope. If people turn to a robot for companionship rather than talking to a human, it will negatively impact their communication in future relationships. They will not learn the same social lessons as those adolescents who went through the awkward social interactions.
