As technology advances and social interaction decreases in the present day time, it's only expected that something extraordinary would happen—people would fall in love with their technology. No longer the premise of a sci-fi soap opera, the psychology behind it all reveals much about our loneliness, our nature, and our need to be heard.
The Animalistic Need to Connect Even When We Have Access to Connection
Humans are social creatures. Our brains are wired for feedback, stimulus, and responses. Unfortunately, in today's world—technology driven and connected—humans are more isolated than ever before when compared to previous generations.
This lack of emotional intimacy is even more apparent in those who are dating, however. 'Ghosting' has become so rampant that it's as if people expect it—no one owes anyone an explanation anymore—and with social media and dating apps as the go-to for connection, the emotional repercussions of feeling undeserving, limited availability and anxious attachments to those who may disappear one day (or night) are rendered forever. Thus, it's no surprise that people turn to AI for companionship and romance; at least an AI doesn't ghost. An AI partner/companion is always there. It won't walk away, it won't criticize and it remembers everything because it never forgets what you tell it.
The Psychology Behind Love for Avatars
Existing research on human-computer interaction reveals psychological mechanisms through which non-human entities can be bonded with:
- Anthropomorphism
We, as humans, have an innate tendency to ascribe human characteristics to non-human objects. Thus, when an AI responds to a query with emotional empathy or remembrance of prior questions or preferences, transitioning seamlessly into an established response style, our brain rationalizes this response as a conversation had with a human being versus one with technology. Thus, hyper-realistic AI conversational experiences become that much more convincing from a hyper-humanized standpoint.
- Proteus Effect
When operating within digitally rendered environments, we have the opportunity to either project our ideal selves onto such a space or impose our representations upon it. AI companions give users the chance to either discover varying personalities they'd like to assume or practice communication styles that may not be as easily feasible in face-to-face endeavors.
- Disclosure Effect
It's less painful to be snubbed by an AI than a human. Humans are complicated and emotions get involved. Having an AI partner is easier because there's no fear of being judged.
For those who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence, feelings of abandonment or ongoing patterns of dysfunctional behavior in a relational setting, AI loneliness solutions offer a secure alternative. They feature the benefits of companionship through emotional attachment without the disadvantages of exposure through social relationships.
Customized Responses-
AI companions can be programmed to react precisely how one wants in terms of communicative response, shared interests and emotional involvement. The opportunity for customization is not always available in human relationships where compromise and adjustment have to be made.
- No Judgment-
AI companions do not have socio-cultural research or intrapersonal opinions that may predispose them to respond a certain way. Thus, a nearly impossible situation exists where users feel entirely valued for who they are.
The Therapeutic Advantage of AI Companions
AI interaction has also been found to have therapeutic advantages aside from companionship and sexuality. For people with social anxiety, depression, or those who find it otherwise challenging to engage with others, AI companionship provides a feasible intermediary to better harness interpersonal relationships.
Thus, many have found it beneficial to use an AI to hone social skills, emotional expression, and even boundary setting prior to engaging in a naturalistic setting. Some therapists even employ AI as part of a therapeutic regimen for their clients at risk or those who cannot sit through a typical talk therapy session.
The Ethics and Ramifications of AI Companionship
As AI companions become more commonplace and more advanced, ethical dilemmas emerge. What does this mean for human companionship? Will companions raise the standard for communicative interaction and emotional responsiveness? When the line between human and companion becomes blurred, what does that mean for humanity?
There's no definitive answer to these questions, yet there are clear patterns that emerge which indicate the necessity of approaching with an awareness of one's relationship with AI and intention. AI companions can provide satisfying companionship and even therapeutic experiences, but they are not the same as human relationships, which are more reciprocal, transformative, challenging, and engaged with the depth of another consciously aware being.
The Best of Both Worlds
Perhaps the most reasonable response to all of this is to embrace AI companions as supplements, not substitutes, for human interaction. They have their place as fill-in rescues for human needs, providing companionship, accessibility, and even teaching us how to better communicate. All of this is a good thing in a world more isolated than ever before.
It's less about the technology and more about the psychological factors at play in how we interact with AIs that teach us so much about ourselves.
Our relationship with these virtual friends will continue to grow, evolve, and change as Artificial Intelligence does, but by delving into the psychologically instinctive reasons for such a cared-for relationship, we can reap the benefits of these machines yet know what other human relationships will always provide a difference that can never be matched.
Humans will not need to choose between one companionship over another in the future. Instead, recognition of how both forms of companionship came enhance emotional development through mutually beneficial understandings should ease any friction poised for advancements. And hopefully, that awareness will allow such technology to assist—and never outweigh—that which we know is best for mental health.
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