{
  "id": 15326368,
  "title": "What do we need most in the age of AI?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/what-do-we-need-most-in-the-age-of-ai",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-18T01:57:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/20261018/what-do-we-need-most-in-the-age-of-ai"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Loneliness emerged as a significant societal issue in the 21st century, prompting governments worldwide to address this growing concern. In 2018, the United Kingdom appointed its first Minister for Loneliness, followed by Japan in establishing a comparable role. As of 2026, the United States faces mounting challenges due to the pervasiveness of loneliness, with an increasing number of people turning to AI companion apps for human connection.\n\nThe shift towards loneliness was initially perplexing to older generations who believed that dedicating oneself to work alone would prevent loneliness. However, the modern society has evolved this perspective. Single-person households have surged in number, and terms like 'reclusive socially isolated youth' have become common. Additionally, the incidence of solitary deaths, known as 'godoksa' in Korean, has visibly increased.\n\nIn response to this alarming trend, local governments have not remained passive. The Seoul Metropolitan Government launched the 'Seoul, No More Loneliness' initiative in 2024, and created the Loneliness Prevent initiative. These measures aim to combat the growing loneliness epidemic by providing support and fostering human connections.",
  "summary": "In 2018, the United Kingdom appointed the world's first minister for loneliness. Japan subsequently established a similar position to support individuals facing social exile and isolation. Furthermore, as of 2026, the United States is contending with the pervasive epidemic of loneliness, where a growing number of individuals turn to artificial intelligence (AI) companion apps in search of human…",
  "key_points": [
    "Loneliness identified as major societal issue in 21st century",
    "UK appoints Minister for Loneliness in 2018, Japan follows suit",
    "US faces mounting loneliness challenges with AI companion apps"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The rise of AI companions reflects a desperate societal shift toward digital connection as traditional social structures fail to prevent the growing epidemic of isolation and solitary deaths.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "What do we need most in the age of AI?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/what-do-we-need-most-in-the-age-of-ai-15329582",
        "published": "2026-10-18T02:17:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}