Doctors have sounded the alarm over rising numbers of young people leaning on AI chatbots for emotional support.
Researchers at University College London warned that youngsters are at risk of struggling to form lasting emotional bonds, in research published today.Â
They also called for chatbots to be programmed to augment social interactions – but not replace them – following cases where people have become too reliant on AI companions.
Figures suggest that around 810million users use ChatGPT, a chatbot funded by the company OpenAI, every week.
Reports also place therapy and companionship as a top reason for its use.
It comes as experts have long warned the UK faces a loneliness epidemic, with nearly half of adults reporting feeling lonely and almost one in 10 experiencing loneliness almost all of the time.Â
Research earlier this year suggested Britain’s loneliness epidemic was fuelling a rise in people creating virtual ‘partners’.Â
Writing in the British Medical Journal, the scientists said: ‘Unlike real human interactions, chatbots offer boundless availability and patience, and are unlikely to present users with challenging counter-narratives.Â
Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of premature death, anxiety and depression Â
‘A worrying possibility is that we might be witnessing a generation learning to form emotional bonds with entities that, despite their seemingly conscious responses, lack capacities for human-like empathy, care, and relational attunement.’
They added: ‘Future systems might further benefit users by recognising references to loneliness, and encouraging users to seek support from friends or family, or providing personalised guidance on accessing local services.’
The scientists performed a meta-analysis of studies related to AI use to identify concerns surrounding potential psychological and social harms.Â
One study from OpenAI involving more than 980 ChatGPT users found that those who logged the most amount of hours on the interface over a month, experienced greater loneliness and socialised with people less, they said.Â
Signs of loneliness and emotional dependence were more pronounced in those who expressed a sense of trust in the chatbot.Â
Another study published by Common Sense Media, found that one in ten young people found conversations with AI agents more satisfying than human interactions.Â
One in three said they would choose AI companions over humans for serious conversations.Â
While further research is vital to determine the long-term impact of such companionship, the researchers said, health professionals should discuss chatbot use with their patients.Â
Over half a million ChatGPT users exhibit signs of mania, psychosis or suicidal thoughts every week, according to OpenAI. A further 1.2 million users send messages that contain ‘explicit indicators of potential suicidal planning or intent’ each week
They said: ‘This should be followed by more directed questions to assess compulsive use patterns and dependence, emotional attachment such as referring to the AI chatbot as a friend, and deferring to the chatbot for major decisions.’Â
Red flags may include an individual believing they have a ‘special relationship’ with the chatbot that drives this behaviour or results in increases social isolation. Â
It comes as dependence on AI has been found to contribute to the deaths of some young people.Â
In February, 14-year-old, Sewell Setze, took his own life after forming a relationship with a customisable chatbot designed for role playing, constantly according to his mother.Â
The family has now brought a legal claim against Character AI, claiming its chatbot encouraged self-harm and ultimately suicide.Â
What are the risks of loneliness in older people?Â
Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation and it can have a serious effect on health.
There are hundreds of thousands of people of the age of 75 in England who are lonely and cut off from society.Â
According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.Â
Getting older and weaker, leaving the workplace, deaths of spouses and friends or no longer being the hub of their family can contribute to loneliness.Â
Loneliness can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and wellbeing.Â
Many people who are lonely find it hard to reach out.
Source: NHSÂ
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How much do YOU rely on AI? Doctors issue warning over increasing numbers choosing chatbots over ‘real’ friends