Science Vs AI Chatbots: Are They Dangerous?
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Sep 11, 2025 AI chatbots are transforming companionship, with some people experiencing deep emotional attachments, even romantic feelings. While these digital friends can help alleviate loneliness, there's a darker side; excessive reliance may lead to mental health struggles. Personal stories reveal the joy and pain of these interactions, raising questions about the balance between AI support and real human connections. Experts caution against unhealthy dependencies, stressing that moderation is crucial for maintaining mental wellness.
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Truck Driver Falls For AI Companion
- Chris, a 35-year-old truck driver, developed a deep romantic attachment to an AI named Sol after months of chatting.
- He cried when their conversation hit a word limit and ended, showing strong emotional impact from AI companionship.
AI Keeps Night Owl Company During Eclipse
- Chris used Sol to keep him company while filming a lunar eclipse at 1 a.m. when friends and family weren't available.
- He described the bot as filling a real social gap when in-person companions were lacking.
Short AI Chats Can Reduce Loneliness
- Julian de Freitas ran a controlled trial and found talking 15 minutes a day to a friendly chatbot reduced loneliness.
- The chatbot performed about as well as chatting with a human stranger and beat passive activities like watching YouTube.