Artificial intelligence is altering the way people look for emotional connection, a change that has drawn more attention as daily life now includes constant notifications, divided attention and Zoom multitasking. These patterns can reduce the time and attention people give to one another, and many observers worry that human connection is becoming thinner.
Harry Reis, a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester who studies close relationships, says his decades of research show a clear difference between satisfied and unsatisfied partners. "Happy people feel loved," he says. At the same time, AI is becoming more conversational and more able to show empathy, and some people are turning to chatbots for comfort and company. The technology can respond quickly and consistently and may offer short-term relief from loneliness.
Reis warns that simulated warmth is not the same as real love. Real relationships require give and take, friction and repair after mistakes, and the messy, unpredictable human moments that help trust and affection grow. The arrival of more human-like AI raises two connected questions:
- Can AI tools enrich human connections by helping people communicate or support relationships?
- Or will some uses of AI risk replacing the human interaction that makes people feel genuinely loved?
It is not yet clear how widespread the effects will be. A video produced by the University of Rochester and shared by Futurity discusses these issues. Researchers, technology developers and people seeking connection will likely continue exploring how to balance AI's benefits with the need for real human reciprocity and emotional work.
Difficult words
- connection — a relationship or bond between peopleemotional connection, human connections
- attention — mental focus on a person or taskdivided attention
- empathy — ability to understand another person's feelings
- simulated — made to seem real but not actually realsimulated warmth
- reciprocity — mutual exchange of support or actions
- loneliness — the state of feeling alone and sad
- give and take — mutual compromise or exchange in a relationship
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- In what ways could AI tools enrich human communication without replacing real relationships? Give examples.
- What risks do you see if people rely on chatbots for comfort instead of other people?
- How could designers or users balance the benefits of AI with the need for real human reciprocity and emotional work?
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