Can AI really fix the loneliness and mental health crisis?

What is it about?

AI chatbots, especially those using large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT or personalized versions such as Replika, are being promoted as potential helpers for people who feel lonely. Some initial research and personal stories suggest that talking with these AI tools can make people feel better in the short term and promote social support – while other case studies suggest detrimental outcomes, including cases of suicide. Feeling truly connected goes beyond conversations. Humans are social beings who need physical presence, touch, and emotional cues that come from real, face-to-face interactions. The brain has evolved to respond deeply to things like a hug, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other signals we usually get from in-person relationships. And while AI may partly tap into the same evolutionary shaped brain circuits (see also https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(25)00346-0?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0896627325003460%3Fshowall%3Dtrue) AI can mimic conversation, but can’t currently provide a biological presence. While AI can simulate some aspects of human connection, it doesn’t satisfy all basic human need for social bonding and touch, which are crucial for emotional health. AI support might only help temporarily. Some people report that after the initial novelty of talking to AI, the lonely feelings return, because the underlying need for genuine human contact isn’t addressed.

Featured Image

Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Summarizing, while the application potnetial of AI chatbots for mental health we need to account for human needs and biology. Society can’t simply shift responsibility to technology – we need to build an environment that enable and promotes real social connections, rather than relying on artificial surrogate solutions.

Perspectives