Will AI Help Solve Loneliness in Men?
Last year, the Surgeon General declared there was a loneliness epidemic in the United States. This claim is bolstered by numerous studies showing that people are lonelier than ever. One major publication posted an article this month citing statistics showing that over half of the population is lonely and people are turning to potluck dinners to feel better. Another publication mentioned that men’s retreats are becoming popular ways for men struggling with loneliness.
Unfortunately, not everyone can join a potluck or afford to go on a retreat to feel more socially connected. AI technology can be a great option for these people. People can use an AI Girlfriend if they can’t find a romantic partner or use AI services to boost their social skills.
AI Technology Could Be Crucial for Fighting the Loneliness Epidemic
One of the nation’s most prestigious universities recently published an article on the potential benefits of using AI to fight loneliness. The author states that AI systems can reduce feelings of loneliness, help build social trust, and make society more connected again.
These authors and other researchers have conducted research showing that AI can help with loneliness. Here are some insights.
Talking with an AI Can Encourage People to Pursue More Meaningful Social Interactions
The authors in the aforementioned article conducted an experiment where participants were encouraged to talk to a virtual human named Ellie about high-level social topics. They were paired with a control group that talked with Ellie about a more mundane topic. The research found that the first group ended up socializing more with strangers.
This is one of the biggest benefits of using AI to help fight loneliness. If used correctly, it can help people feel more confident and assertive about pursuing relationships with real people.
AI Can Help People Level Up Their Social Skills
Some people have trouble forming social connections because they have limited social skills. This is especially true for neurodivergent people.
One major publication in Israel reports that a new startup is helping autistic people boost their social skills with artificial intelligence. Users can set goals and an AI chatbot will help them achieve them. None of the discussions were scripted by human programmers. The AI bot is programmed to improvise for every encounter, so it can help individuals with autism get better at navigating social interactions.
Many people that have used this and similar AI services have found them to be very helpful. This can make it easier for people with limited social skills to make new friends and find romantic partners.
AI Can Provide Immediate Social Connections for Lonely People
For most people, the end goal is to use AI to help form genuine relationships with other people. However, some people need immediate relief from loneliness. The good news is that AI bots are capable of helping them.
A growing number of online services connect people with AI friends and romantic partners. People can have discussions with these virtual humans if they don't have anyone else to talk to. This can offer important immediate benefits for people that are in crisis.
AI Makes Dating Apps More Effective at Connecting Compatible People
Online dating has become one of the most common ways that people meet. One survey found that 39% of people that met their partners in 2017 found them online.
Dating app companies recognize that people are dependent on them to find compatible partners. They are using AI technology to better understand individual preferences, so they can show more meaningful potential partners. One of the ways they do this is by using machine learning to identify the traits and physical features a user is looking for based on sweeping behavior and messages. They show more people like that to them, so they are more likely to find the right partner.
AI Helps People in Relationships Find an Additional Social Outlet to Avoid Overwhelming their Partner
Many people are frustrated in relationships where their partner doesn't have many other friends. They end up being their partner’s entire social life and feel it is a burden trying to meet all of their emotional needs. This can lead to resentment down the road, which can ruin the relationship.
AI technology can help these couples by providing an extra outlet for social interaction. People can speak to their AI partner instead of overwhelming their real-life partner.
What Are Some Things Lonely People Can Do to Make the Most of AI?
AI technology can be very valuable for people struggling with loneliness. However, it is important for them to use this new technology wisely. Here are some tips they should consider.
Use AI as a Steppingstone for Building Human Connections
AI companions can be a helpful, immediately stopgap for people struggling to form connections with real people. However, it is not necessarily the best long-term solution for most people. It is better to use AI to learn to find real friendships and romantic relationships.
Use AI to build your social skills and feel more confident talking to real people. This will have much more lasting benefits than depending entirely on an AI friend or companion.
Set Clear Goals When Using an AI Service
You will get more value out of your AI services if you establish clear goals with them. If you are trying to improve your social skills with AI, then you want to think about what specific areas you want to improve on. For example, you might want to use your AI to roleplay discussions on a first date, so you can make a better first impression when going out with someone. Specify this with your AI friend or companion, so it can help you meet these goals.
Don’t Neglect Your Real Relationships to Spend Time with an AI
AI services can be helpful for lonely people. However, they will be counterproductive if you ignore your real friends or romantic companions to interact with them. This can lead to resentment and leave you more alone than before.
Respect Your Partner’s Boundaries if Using an AI Companion
Your partner is entitled to establish boundaries in a romantic relationship. You will need to respect them if you don’t want your partner to leave you. If you value the relationship, then don’t prioritize your AI companion over your real partner by ignoring their boundaries.