LIFESTYLE NEWS - It starts with a chatbot that remembers your coffee order — and suddenly, you’re spilling your heart to an app at 02:00 instead of calling your best friend.
As artificial intelligence quietly weaves its way into our daily lives, it’s also reshaping how we connect with one another.
From dating apps that ‘know your type’ better than you do, to virtual therapists offering 24/7 support, AI is changing the way we love, listen to, and lean on each other. But with all this convenience, are we becoming closer — or simply more connected to our screens?
According to Psychology Today, a survey reveals that 40% of Gen Z singles are comfortable with their future partner having an AI boyfriend or girlfriend, indicating a shift in societal norms.
However, the publication claims there is a gender divide in attitudes towards AI partners, with 45.83% of Gen Z men viewing them as equivalent to watching pornography.
AI is increasingly used for companionship due to the growing loneliness epidemic, convenience, and human-like appearance, claims the Forbes website.
These digital companions are believed to offer a sense of connection for those feeling disconnected from human relationships, as they are available 24/7, have no emotional baggage, and can be switched off at the user’s convenience.
The above source further mentions that AI can also serve as a bridge to better emotional health, helping individuals develop social skills and confidence. However, concerns about the long-term impact include potential social isolation and ethical questions around attachment to AI entities without genuine emotions or consciousness.
As AI companions become more prevalent in society, Forbes suggests that it’s crucial to balance their use for emotional support with maintaining human connections. According to the magazine, developers must be transparent about their limitations and avoid exploiting vulnerable individuals.
The publication adds that the future of human-AI relationships depends on balancing technological advancements with an understanding of human needs and values — and that ensuring genuine connection and empathy is essential in this new era of companionship.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
