Technology companies are utilizing recent breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models to develop chatbot “digital companions” capable of humanlike conversation. AI personal assistants, tutors, therapy and emotional support bots, and virtual friends and romantic partners now have tens of millions of users. Some AI companions are marketed as potential friends that “care” about their users. At a time when many countries are experiencing measurable declines in social trust and increasing levels of loneliness, social isolation, and related mental health problems, should AI products be used to provide artificial relationships and friendships? Which uses of AI companions are ethical, well-informed, and beneficial for individuals and society at large, and how do we tell? How might widespread use of AI companions affect our society, values, and self-understanding as human beings?
