AI Companion Apps Are Taking Off, But Experts Cite Risks

• AI companion bots are gaining more users. 
• WHO declares loneliness a global public health concern.
• Experts are skeptical about the effects of AI on loneliness.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly having a real impact on the world. However, this impact is not always positive, as in the case of deep fakes used for scams. One particular area of concern is mental health, where AI use is under particular scrutiny. 

Most recently, an AI app Avatar.One gained significant traction in user count. The company behind it claims that the app can combat loneliness, which is increasingly becoming a problem in developed countries. However, some have questioned whether AI can offer a real solution to this issue, or whether it will make it worse. 

AI Companion Apps Are Taking Off

Since its launch this year, Avatar.One revealed that it attracted over 120,000 monthly active users. Built on the Solana blockchain, the platform allows users to create personalized AI companions that they can chat with. What is more, the AI companion can also create memories with the user, with the ability to change its responses with new context.

The company behind it, Matrix.One, believes this is just the beginning. Its founder, Mark Studholme, believes that AI companions will soon be available to everyone. They will help users do daily tasks and even offer companionship, and even help alleviate loneliness, which the World Health Organization (WHO) called loneliness a global public health concern in 2023. 

Matrix.One cited research that shows that AI chatbots can help alleviate the negative feelings of loneliness in a similar way real human interaction does. Another study also showed that AI can help with gaining social skills . However, despite these positive findings, there are significant concerns with AI’s impact on loneliness. 

What Are the Dangers of AI Companions for Lonely People? 

While AI companion apps like Avatar.One are gaining popularity, experts are increasingly concerned about the potential risks , especially for lonely people. One of the main criticisms centers around the concept of “ fake empathy ,” highlighted by AI scholar Raffaele Ciriello. 

He argues that the seemingly empathetic responses generated by AI companions lack genuine understanding and emotional depth. This “empathy” can lead users to further isolate themselves from real human connections. Ciriello argues this could exacerbate feelings of loneliness over time.

Additionally, AI companions offer unconditional support, which might seem beneficial but can reinforce negative behaviors and unrealistic expectations. This could make it harder for users to build healthy, meaningful relationships with others.

Finally, the commercial nature of AI platforms raises ethical concerns. Companies like Matrix.One, driven by profit, may change services or shut down, leaving dependent users feeling abandoned and more isolated. This shows the risks of relying on AI for emotional support, where users’ mental well-being is at the mercy of corporate decisions.

On the Flipside

• Whether or not AI chatbots have a net positive or negative impact, it is clear that there is demand for them. 
• Another risk is the proliferation of open-source AI bots that users can launch on their own machines. While this gives users privacy and control, it also prevents any sort of oversight and dangerous or damaging behavior. 

Why This Matters

AI is rapidly becoming a powerful force in our lives, offering both significant benefits and serious risks. Understanding both is crucial for navigating this technology.

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