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Companionship in code: AI’s role in the future of human connection

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  • Marta Andersson

    (Uppsala University)

Abstract

As research shows, AI chatbots have increasingly taken on the role of human companions, offering what can be dubbed ‘emotional fast food’: a convenient substitute for connection—instantly gratifying, but ultimately lacking substance. This comment explores how AI mimics emotional understanding and closeness, and how such simulations shape user perceptions of its role. By considering both potential risks and benefits, the article reflects on the growing trend of using AI for companionship and its troubling social ramifications. Far from innocuous, this development raises existential and philosophical questions, inviting consideration of what it reveals about our evolving relationships with technology and with each other.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Andersson, 2025. "Companionship in code: AI’s role in the future of human connection," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05536-x
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05536-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ljubiša Bojić & Irena Stojković & Zorana Jolić Marjanović, 2024. "Signs of consciousness in AI: Can GPT-3 tell how smart it really is?," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Christopher Starke & Alfio Ventura & Clara Bersch & Meeyoung Cha & Claes Vreese & Philipp Doebler & Mengchen Dong & Nicole Krämer & Margarita Leib & Jochen Peter & Lea Schäfer & Ivan Soraperra & Jessi, 2024. "Risks and protective measures for synthetic relationships," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 8(10), pages 1834-1836, October.
    3. James W. A. Strachan & Dalila Albergo & Giulia Borghini & Oriana Pansardi & Eugenio Scaliti & Saurabh Gupta & Krati Saxena & Alessandro Rufo & Stefano Panzeri & Guido Manzi & Michael S. A. Graziano & , 2024. "Testing theory of mind in large language models and humans," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 8(7), pages 1285-1295, July.
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