Marketplace Tech Is talking to AI chatbots good for us?
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May 5, 2025 Chatbots are becoming integral to our daily lives, acting as guides for online purchases and even supportive companions. However, research reveals their potential to amplify loneliness rather than alleviate it. Different modes of interaction, like voice versus text, impact user well-being in varied ways. Emotional dependence on these AI voices raises ethical concerns, particularly for younger audiences. Plus, comparisons between chatbots and traditional therapy highlight the complexities of AI's role in human connection.
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Chatbot Use Impacts Well-being Variably
- Chatbot use varies by modality and conversation type, impacting loneliness and dependence differently.
- Voice interaction briefly daily improves well-being, but extensive use worsens it, with personal topics linked to increased loneliness.
Potential Loneliness Feedback Loop
- Heavier chatbot users who start lonely tend to remain lonely and socialize less.
- A feedback loop may exist where loneliness drives more chatbot use and vice versa.
Therapy Chatbots' Promise and Risks
- Specialized therapy chatbots show promise reducing depression comparably to human therapists in controlled settings.
- General chatbots risk misuse without proper guardrails, highlighting need for standardized emotional safety benchmarks.