May 16, 2023
Loneliness has become a critical issue in the United States, reaching crisis levels exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic-induced isolation. However, the increasing adoption of AI-driven technologies has sparked concerns about its potential impact on loneliness as they hold both promise and peril.
Recognizing the urgency, short-term solutions are emerging to combat the loneliness epidemic, including AI-powered companions, virtual pets, and mental health support services. While the use of AI tools for health services without regulatory approval carries risks, proponents argue that AI can also alleviate loneliness in various ways.
Virtual therapists, for instance, offer a promising application, particularly for individuals reluctant to confide in a person or facing language barriers in accessing therapy. AI companions equipped with fall detection capabilities provide safety measures for those living alone.
Moreover, AI has the potential to offer round-the-clock support to individuals already receiving clinical help, providing personalized chat-based assistance based on patient notes. Rural areas, where limited behavioral health services result from financial constraints, can also benefit from AI-based solutions.
The thriving AI pet industry adds another dimension to the fight against loneliness, with virtual companions featuring realistic personalities and physical attributes like wagging tails and fur. These AI pets deliver similar emotional benefits to their living counterparts, alleviating loneliness and anxiety in owners. They prove particularly valuable for individuals unable to care for real animals due to circumstances such as dementia or living in pet-restricted urban environments.
The sources for this piece include an article in Axios.
