Will You Turn to AI for Companionship?

Will You Turn to AI for Companionship?

Submission by Dr. Glenn Mollette

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a remarkable tool for research and information. But I don’t want my deepest relationship to be with a chatbot, robot, or anything connected to AI.

Today, there’s a multi-billion-dollar movement offering people their own personal AI bots—digital companions who claim to be their best friend. These bots promise to care, listen, and converse endlessly about any topic. My concern is that our society might become so desperate for companionship that people spend hours each day talking to “someone” who doesn’t truly exist, but can mimic human conversation without ever tiring.

So much of our world already lives in isolation. Millions—perhaps billions—spend their days staring at phones and tablets. We don’t call or visit people as we once did. Now, with AI companions, we may socialize even less, finding a programmed bot—shaped into any personality or gender—more appealing than talking with real people.

I am grateful for Jesus, my beautiful wife, my family, and the people I work with. I would be saddened if I ever felt I had to turn to something mechanical for meaningful conversation.

Japan illustrates where this road might lead. Since 2017, more than 3,000 men there have “married” virtual girlfriends. One man even held a symbolic wedding ceremony with a robot hologram in 2018. These unions aren’t legally recognized, but the symbolism speaks volumes. Meanwhile, Japan’s population is projected to fall from 128 million to 88 million by 2065 due to an aging population, low birth rates, and limited immigration. Romantic ties to virtual characters won’t help reverse that trend.

Here in America, our options for AI companionship are growing quickly:

  • Realbotix creates lifelike, interactive robots.
  • Lovot is a soft, warm robot designed for emotional connection.
  • Aibo, Sony’s robot dog, learns and adapts to its owner.
  • ElliQ engages elderly users and keeps them active.
  • Vector responds to voice commands.
  • Kiki recognizes faces and acts as a pet companion.
  • Ami assists with daily caregiving.
  • Amazon’s Astro functions as both home monitor and smart assistant.

And the list is only expanding.

The global AI market is expected to reach $1.81 trillion by 2030, growing at nearly 36 percent annually. AI is here to stay—and it can be either a useful tool or a dangerous substitute for genuine human connection.

Like television, pizza, or candy bars, a little bit may be fine. But too much can easily become harmful.



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