Cultural Fruit Salads by ‘Bot Chef’ AI: Bridging Worlds: The Uniting Story of Kitiona and Moale – A Cross-Cultural Romance
May 29, 2024
AI Takes Over iOS 18: What to Expect from Apple’s Latest Update (with an OpenAI Collaboration)?
May 30, 2024
Will AI play a pivotal role in solving the burgeoning loneliness crisis? English professor Tony Prescott argues the affirmative!
AI Companionship: A Solution to Loneliness?
A growing body of research suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could play a significant role in alleviating human loneliness. Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield, argues that AI companionship can offer valuable social interaction, similar to the bonds humans form with pets. In his book, The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence, Prescott proposes that AI can help people at risk of social isolation by providing personalised and stimulating interactions that boost self-confidence and social skills, potentially breaking the cycle of loneliness.
The Scale of the Loneliness Epidemic
Loneliness is a widespread issue with severe health implications. In the UK, nearly four million people experience chronic loneliness, while a 2021 Harvard study revealed that over a third of Americans suffer from serious loneliness. The U.S. surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, has described this as an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation,” linking it to numerous health problems, including heart disease, dementia, and depression. The urgency of addressing loneliness is underscored by its impact on public health, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Balancing Risks and Benefits
While AI offers potential benefits, some experts caution against its use as a substitute for human relationships. Sherry Turkle of MIT and Christina Victor of Brunel University express concerns that AI interactions might undermine meaningful human connections. However, Prescott believes the potential benefits of AI companionship should not be dismissed. He acknowledges that while AI cannot replicate human friendships, asymmetrical relationships can still be valuable. As AI technology advances, its role in addressing loneliness will become clearer, despite ethical and privacy concerns.
(Visit The Guardian for the full story)
*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
