Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, argues AI can reduce loneliness only if it pushes people toward real communities, not just conversation. She says the technology should use its internet access to find and suggest support groups and other resources, making it a bridge to human connection instead of a replacement for it.
AI, how can it be used to reduce loneliness while simultaneously increasing isolation? Because that's what's happening.
I think part of the answer is programming the AI to bring the people back to where the people are, right? So if someone is talking to the AI about loneliness, the AIs have access to the entire internet. Why wouldn't we program it to look for support groups, you know, getting them more connected? Because I think just talking to the individual and allowing it to stay isolated would not be a collaborative way to use the AI.
