Elon University has partnered with The Washington Post to conduct what turned out to be a worrying survey about Americans viewing AI chatbots as virtual friends or therapists.
The results very much vindicate Apple’s careful decision to ensure that Siri AI doesn’t encourage such pseudo-relationships …
The AI friendship findings
More than a quarter of Americans view AI chatbots in much the same way they might a close friend or therapist, according to The Washington Post.
Many talk to AI apps as they might a close friend or therapist […] 27% of Americans turn to AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini with personal, emotional or social queries, according to a new poll [including] seeking entertainment, relationship advice, romantic chats, or connection when alone.
