"In the face of overlapping mental health crises among young people and a mounting loneliness epidemic, technologists, investors and product developers are racing to build generative AI products to fill a void of human connection. We already have chatbot therapists, girlfriends and tutors, and the pace of new development is astounding. AI is becoming more human-like ... and in many cases surpasses human capabilities. Today’s young people may experience less and less differentiation between 'real life' relationships (a friend made on the playground), digital relationships (a friend made playing Fortnite) and bot relationships (a non-human friend)." Will AI deepen our connections or widen our divides? Michelle Culver explores technology's double-edged sword and how we can cultivate meaningful relationships in a rapidly evolving digital age.
