Commentary: AI will affect your social life, even if you've never used it
AI has become a kind of social sealant, filling the gaps in young people’s relationships, says Alice Lassman for the New York Times.
The rise of artificial intelligence is subtly influencing the social lives of young people, even those who have never directly interacted with AI, according to a New York Times article by Alice Lassman. The author, who used her first Wi-Fi-enabled iPod Touch at the age of 13, now relies on chatbots for various aspects of her life, from romance to crisis management. Her research reveals that many Gen Z-ers use AI companions, which can both enrich and distort their relationships with others.
Interviewees in the U.S. and Europe shared how AI helps them think more clearly about their relationships and even encourages some to make breakups. However, one worry is that this reliance on AI may cause the emotional capital of human connection to weaken over time. As AI becomes more prevalent in conversations about intimacy, words used to convey human meaning may lose their authenticity and depth.
This can cause friends to withdraw from sharing their most personal experiences with others, as they may begin to rely more on their AI companions.
Despite its prevalence, AI's role in intimate relationships remains largely unacknowledged. Some interviewees felt hesitant to discuss their AI use with their partners or even those closest to them. As AI becomes more commonplace in daily life, it may change the way people communicate and express vulnerability, leading to a subtle but significant shift in the dynamics of social interactions.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
