Potentially, according to AI Authority Peter Swain. As with everything, however, there are caveats.
If you think about it, human loneliness has become pervasive enough to be considered a significant public health issue. Research links loneliness to outcomes including depression, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and even premature death. It puts people at risk for poor mental health and increases the risk of early mortality by 26 percent.
Given these risks, does AI potentially hold the answer to loneliness? We’ve all heard the nightmare stories about a chatbot becoming a troubled youth’s “best friend” and, in at least one case, offering up suggestions to the youth on how to commit suicide or to kill his parents. These are obvious extremes that technology providers are looking to find and fix. But on a larger scale, could it be useful or even lifesaving for a well-created artificial intelligence to offer a perpetual listening ear or to serve as a voice of comfort or reasoning?
Peter Swain, a rising AI authority guiding thousands of entrepreneurs and enterprise organizations on the best and most innovative uses of AI, weighed in. Swain is a quickly emerging futurist who’s used AI to supplant his own prior careers in banking, finance, and real estate with practical programs to establish best practices for the next generation of companies, creators, and organizations. On the topic of chatbots and loneliness, here’s what Swain had to say.
GritDaily: Is using chatbots to combat loneliness counterintuitive?
Swain: It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On one side, we must never allow technology to replace genuine human interaction. No chatbot, no matter how advanced, can capture the full warmth and spontaneity of human relationships. On the flip side, half of what we crave in human interaction is the simple act of being listened to.
Research, including studies by Matt Lieberman, shows that our brains can respond to a chatbot much like they do to a human voice, offering us a sense of validation and being understood. So, while it may seem counterintuitive at first, chatbots can play a supportive role — especially for those moments when human contact is scarce. Think of them as a temporary emotional band-aid rather than a full-fledged relationship replacement.
GritDaily: In what ways could AI systems be altering users’ mental health (positively or negatively)?
Swain: AI is fundamentally changing the game in mental health. On the positive side, for people who live in regions or situations where robust mental health services are financially or geographically out of reach, AI-powered solutions can provide critical support. They offer immediate, accessible assistance that might otherwise be unavailable — almost like having a caring friend in your pocket at all times.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that these systems are not a one-size-fits-all cure. Replacing our deeply rooted, proven methods of mental health care with AI alone could oversimplify the rich tapestry of human experience and emotional needs. It’s not about throwing out what we know works but about integrating AI as a complementary tool to extend our reach and support where it’s needed most.
GritDaily: Based on data provided by the AI company Mira, the number of U.S. adults seeking mental health treatment has risen from 56 million to 59 million over the past year. Do you think technology has impacted this?
Swain: Absolutely, technology is a major factor here — but the impact is nuanced. When we see numbers like these, it’s tempting to say, “Oh no, technology is hurting us!” But consider the analogy of the seatbelt. When seat belts were first introduced, they indeed led to an uptick in minor injuries (think whiplash), even as they saved lives in critical moments.
Similarly, technology has opened up conversations about mental health and provided immediate access to support that might have been previously out of reach. The rise in treatment numbers might reflect a short-term adjustment or even a greater willingness to seek help due to easier access rather than a direct negative impact of technology. In essence, technology is the catalyst, setting us on a path toward more comprehensive and accessible mental health care, even if there are some bumps along the way.
GritDaily: Do you think chatbots have helped more people than they’ve harmed, or is there a real danger in forming emotional connections with chatbots?
Swain: Every breakthrough comes with its own trade-offs, and chatbots are no different. There are genuine concerns about forming deep emotional connections with a machine. The danger lies not in the technology itself but in the potential for misuse or overreliance on these digital companions.
Look at atomic energy — its benefits in powering our world are enormous, yet the risks demand careful, responsible handling. Chatbots, when deployed thoughtfully, can offer immediate support and reduce feelings of isolation.
However, if we lean too heavily on them as a crutch in place of real human interaction, we risk diluting the rich quality of human connection. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance — leveraging chatbots to fill in gaps without allowing them to replace the nuanced, multifaceted support that only human relationships can provide.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
