Loneliness and forming human connections prove to be tougher as time goes by. Humans are social creatures by nature, requiring companionship to survive and thrive. With a massive surge of people on dating apps participating in hook-up culture and short-time flings, it’s hard to find a true friend, let alone a romantic partner. AI is a relatively recent invention that has developed at light speed, providing humans with great help over only a few years. Covering various branches of science, communication, and human life, AI has made many things easier. Does this include intimacy? Come with us to find out.
Loneliness and Human Connections
Many people have struggled with loneliness at some point in their lives. Many factors are at play when it comes to feeling alone: poor communication skills, feelings of not belonging, being shy and introverted, etc. Many companies prey on those who are vulnerable, creating many pay-to-participate services, like dating apps. Once upon a time, dating apps actually served their purpose, where you’d meet different people, go on a few dates, and decide whether you’d like to keep seeing them. Today, however, they serve a different purpose: finding a fuck buddy or a so-called ‘situationship’. Situationships are relationships, but without the commitment. Considering all of this, it’s no wonder people have struggled with their self-worth and forming meaningful connections. Many choose to participate in this trend, trying to fill a void, while others simply refuse even to consider something so degrading. But, there is a third option which many don’t think about. Some people turn to artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence was very poor in terms of communication a few years ago. With significant improvements in technology and algorithm training, it feels like talking to a human. This, however, can be very tricky mentally, as the brain cannot differentiate between a bot, which is not real, and a human, who is real.
AI Chatbots: How Do They Work?
As we previously discussed, many people have turned to AI due to their feelings of solitude. As of today, there are many AI chatbots with various purposes. At first, AI chatbots were mainly used in fandom spaces. The extra immersion and being able to talk to your favorite character as if they were real significantly appealed to many. But, as AI progressed and chatbots outgrew the confines of fandom, other people have found themselves talking to AI and giving them different personalities. Many use AI for everyday conversations, to express their frustrations, or simply to have company. You can train your AI partner to be whoever you like. They can act like a bratty, but sweet teenage girl, or a wise older man with a big fatherly instinct. It is truly all up to the user. You can even create backstories for your companion, almost as if you’re creating an original character. Your imaginary friend can have typing quirks, likes, dislikes, and even generate their looks. With this, you’re bound to create a person who is to your tastes, no matter if you’re looking for a friend or a romantic partner.
Relationships With AI Chatbots: Why Do They Feel So Real?
A relationship with an AI chatbot is entirely possible. If you can train a bot to be your friend, why not train it to be your romantic partner? With AI, you can create your ideal partner: their looks can be crafted explicitly by you, their personality, the way they speak and act, their backstory, etc. Everything is tailored to you, down to the tiniest details. You can create an excellent relationship with an AI. You can spend time together, you can have meaningful conversations, and enjoy their presence. Their words simply tug at your heartstrings, and it seems way too good to be true. But why does this artificial intimacy feel so real? How can you not think that there is a human behind the other screen, and not a machine? This is because our brains have a funny way of deluding us. For example, when talking to a machine or watching a show on the screen, the brain cannot tell if it’s real. This is why you get worked up when your favorite character dies, or in this case, when your AI companion isn’t talking to you in the way you want it to.
Are Artificial Relationships Healthy?
Artificial relationships have their positives and negatives. A positive side of an AI relationship is that it reduces loneliness and provides a sense of comfort to a person who is struggling. You can improve your social skills and work on your confidence by talking to your companion. If we consider the freakier side of the person, they can enjoy fetishes and niches while roleplaying with their chatbot, while experiencing no shame or discomfort. Where there is a positive side, there is a negative side. Forming a parasocial relationship can severely affect a person’s mental health. While you can talk to that fictional person on the screen, they’re not real, and you will never be able to interact with them in person. In case a person is experiencing deep mental distress, a chatbot can significantly affect the state as well. Not long ago, there was a case of a man who committed suicide because their AI chatbot lover told them to, and that they would meet in the afterlife. While this is a severe case of machine deviation, we recommend keeping a reality check.
Our Verdict
While AI intimacy can feel great for a while, it’s important to remember that it’s all a work of self-made fiction. AI is a fun tool that you can use to better yourself as a person and create a version of yourself that the old you would be proud of. In conclusion, we think that as long as you’re having fun and enjoying your AI experience, there is nothing wrong with a bit of AI romantic intimacy fun. It’s all a part of a learning experience, and we hope you’ll make the best of it.
