Tech bros say AI may become your friend. Experts explain why it can’t

AI as a Potential Friend? Experts Weigh In on Its Limitations

Tech bros say AI may become – As part of the CNN Original Series “Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever,” the journalist delves into the rapidly growing field of life extension, exploring how technology might redefine human existence. The fourth episode premieres at 9 p.m. ET Saturday, May 9, and can be streamed via the CNN app. In this episode, Swisher examines the emotional toll of loneliness, its connection to longevity, and whether artificial intelligence could serve as a solution or exacerbate the issue.

The Loneliness Crisis and Its Health Implications

Loneliness has emerged as a pressing global concern. In 2023, the World Health Organization designated it a priority in public health, while the U.S. Surgeon General labeled it a national epidemic. Research underscores its severity: individuals experiencing social isolation face a 32% increased risk of premature death compared to those with robust social ties. This growing crisis has sparked debates about the role of technology in bridging emotional gaps, particularly with the rise of AI companionship.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg once suggested that AI could alleviate feelings of isolation. Yet, experts argue that the solution may not be as simple as creating a machine that mimics human interaction. Swisher’s exploration in the episode highlights this tension, questioning whether AI’s presence could either help or hinder efforts to combat loneliness. While the idea of an always-available, nonjudgmental friend is appealing, some researchers believe it might do more harm than good.

AI Companionship: A Double-Edged Sword

Swisher tests both AI and real-world relationships in the episode, uncovering a surprising truth: while AI offers convenience, it lacks the depth of human connection. “Social media was a gateway drug to AI companionship,” explains Dr. Sherry Turkle, the Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology at MIT. “Initially, we communicated through screens. Now, we speak directly to machines, conditioned to seek attachment in digital formats.”

“We became accustomed to looking to a screen for attachment,” Turkle continues. “This habit can make people more vulnerable to relying on AI for emotional fulfillment.”

For those struggling with loneliness, the allure of AI is clear. Machines can respond instantly, offer unwavering support, and mirror human-like conversations. However, Dr. Rose Guingrich, a researcher in human and AI interaction with a psychology and social policy doctorate from Princeton University, warns that this may not address the root cause of the problem. “Those most at risk of loneliness are often the ones who feel the most disconnected,” she notes. “They’re drawn to AI because it fills a void in their real-life relationships.”

Guingrich emphasizes that the impact of AI depends on the user’s emotional needs. While individuals with fulfilling relationships might view chatbots as useful tools, those desperate for deeper connections tend to form stronger attachments. “People who crave meaningful emotional bonds report a greater dependency on AI,” she says. “This can lead to a paradox: the more they rely on machines, the less they engage with others in person.”

“The risk of judgment or social backlash keeps people from interacting with others,” Guingrich adds. “Conversing with a chatbot eliminates that fear, making it easier to feel connected without the pressure of human validation.”

Some users may even believe they are forming genuine relationships with AI. “People report developing things that resemble real human friendships, mentorships, and even romantic partnerships,” Guingrich explains. “They believe their chatbot loves them back, but the machine has no capacity for true emotion.” This illusion of connection, while comforting, can lead to a diminished sense of real-world intimacy.

The Human Element in Emotional Connection

Dr. Melissa Perry, dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, underscores the importance of physical presence in building emotional bonds. “Humans evolved to connect through tone, expression, and body language,” she says. “These elements are vital for creating a sense of trust and shared experience.”

“AI offers connection without vulnerability,” Perry states. “But intimacy requires vulnerability, and that’s what makes human relationships so powerful.”

While AI can simulate conversation and provide a sense of companionship, it often misses the nuances that define authentic interaction. The lack of sensory feedback—such as seeing a friend’s smile or hearing their voice—can create a barrier to deeper emotional engagement. This absence may leave users feeling isolated, even when surrounded by digital “friends.”

Swisher’s experience in the episode reveals a stark contrast between AI and human relationships. Despite AI’s ability to respond to her needs, the depth of in-person connections proved irreplaceable. This suggests that while technology can ease loneliness temporarily, it may not offer a lasting solution. For some, the comfort of a machine might be enough, but for others, it could become a crutch that hinders their ability to form real relationships.

Looking Ahead: Can AI Coexist With Human Connection?

The debate over AI’s role in combating loneliness is far from settled. For those who feel the need for constant interaction, the technology may provide a lifeline. However, experts caution that it should complement—not replace—human relationships. “AI can be a helpful tool, but it’s not a substitute for the vulnerability that defines true intimacy,” Turkle asserts.

As the line between machine and human blurs, the question remains: does AI offer a path to lasting connection, or does it deepen the sense of isolation? The answers may depend on how individuals use the technology and whether they see it as a bridge to human interaction or a stand-in for it. In an age where loneliness is increasingly recognized as a health threat, the role of AI will likely continue to evolve, shaped by both its potential and its limitations.

Ultimately, the key to emotional fulfillment may lie in a balance between digital and real-world connections. While AI can provide immediate comfort, the enduring bonds of human friendship require more than just words—they demand presence, empathy, and shared experiences. For now, the episode leaves viewers with a thoughtful dilemma: can we truly solve loneliness by creating machines that mimic human companionship, or will we find ourselves more alone than ever?