Loneliness has risen across Western societies over the past two decades, affecting both young adults and older individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified isolation by severing in-person ties and replacing them with shallower digital interactions. Loneliness is associated with serious health risks; strong social relationships increase survival odds by about 50 percent over several years. Social media can offer surface-level connection but often lacks depth, and some people are increasingly turning to AI companions for belonging. Reliance on AI for intimacy raises questions about risks and the imperative to rebuild healthier, authentic social bonds, with therapies like ACT offering avenues for reconnection.
Despite living in a hyper-connected world, where social media platforms promise constant interaction and hundreds of "friends" at our fingertips, many people report feeling isolated, unseen, and emotionally unfulfilled. [1, 2] This paradox, where the tools meant to bring us together can instead, in some situations, leave us feeling further apart, is driving an important cultural shift. Increasingly, some individuals are turning not to other people, but to artificial intelligence (AI) companions for a sense of connection and belonging. [3]
This shift raises critical questions about the nature of human relationships, the risks of relying on AI for intimacy, and the urgent need to rebuild healthier, more authentic social bonds. [4] It also highlights why psychological frameworks such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can play a vital role in helping people find meaning and reconnection in their lives. [5]
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