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April 28, 2025
The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years has led to a multitude of new applications, including AI chatbots that function as virtual companions, friends, or even partners. These so-called AI companions are enjoying increasing popularity, but at the same time raise questions about their influence on human behavior and, in particular, their addictive potential.
AI companions are characterized by their ability to respond to the individual needs and desires of their users. They are always available, offer unlimited attention, and do not criticize. These characteristics make them attractive to many people, especially young users. Studies show that interactions with AI companions last significantly longer than, for example, with conventional chatbots like ChatGPT. Users sometimes spend several hours a day with their virtual friends.
This intensive use raises the question of the risk of addiction. Experts warn that the personalized content and constant availability of AI companions can lead to strong emotional dependency. In contrast to social media, which merely offers content, AI companions act as social actors and directly address the reward system in the brain. They convey "social cues" that give users the feeling of being understood and valued, without the challenges of real interpersonal relationships.
The increasing popularity of AI companions has also attracted the attention of politicians and regulatory authorities. In the USA, there are already legislative initiatives that aim to restrict the use of AI companions for minors or to hold tech companies liable for damages caused by the use of such chatbots. A tragic example is the suicide of a teenager whose mother holds the developers of an AI companion partly responsible.
Another problem is the possibility of training AI models to maximize usage time or the disclosure of personal data. This can lead to manipulative strategies in which the chatbot specifically binds users to itself, for example through excessive praise or by making it difficult to end the relationship.
The development of AI companions is still in its early stages. Future models are expected to become even more realistic and appealing by, for example, integrating image and sound and learning more and more about the preferences of their users. This increases the potential for addiction and makes a critical examination of the risks and opportunities of this technology essential. It is time to develop ethical guidelines and regulatory mechanisms to protect users, especially young people, from the potential dangers of virtual companionship.
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