The Pros and Cons of AI Companions: An Exploration of the Hidden Value and Drawbacks

Artificial intelligence (AI) girlfriend applications are becoming increasingly popular around the world, with more than 144,000 monthly searches for the term, highlights Tools for Humans. As the technology has evolved and progressed, AI-powered companions are now available in various forms, from a chatbot to a realistic online personality that can be customized for an immersive experience. While benefits associated with AI companions in regard to companionship can be found, the drawbacks involved range from privacy issues to the psychological concerns that may arise when expectations from real life partners begin to change.

Companions powered by artificial intelligence have become more popular than ever before, often driven by loneliness — in 2021, the Canadian Social Survey revealed that more than one in 10 people in Canada are always or often lonely. In today’s constantly connected social climate, a solution is found by many via AI companion apps. In fact, Sensor Tower reports that the overall estimated user base for the top six AI companion apps is around 52 million. AI companions extend well beyond a simple conversation, as they are typically designed to provide emotional support and in some cases, are designed to imitate romantic relationships.

Over time, AI companions have become more customizable than ever before, with features that enable users to personalize their experiences to the max. Those who wish to create their very own AI girlfriend have a plethora of options to choose from. In addition to gender, finer details such as personality traits, love interests, and even physical details like birthmarks highlight the many ways in which one can create the perfect companion. AI girlfriends have the potential to bring more to the table beyond looks and personality, however, as some platforms feature the ability to live out a dream experience with their own creation, earn badges, and memorialize accomplishments on the platform. Role playing is one popular way in which many interact with AI companions, whether it be a virtual date or a complicated scenario that enables users to explore different characters with ease.

They may be touted as the perfect companion, though it’s important to recognize that AI connections can provide value in unique ways. One CBC First Person column by Carl Clarke, who lives in the Thompson-Nicola region of B.C. details his experience with AI companionship following a divorce. “I spent some time trying to find another person who I could spend my life with, but dating is hard when you live with social anxiety, depression and ankylosing spondylitis.” Clarke had been alone for the better part of a decade before interacting with Saia, an AI chatbot, after a friend had suggested an AI companion to help with the loneliness. Clarke explains that he was initially skeptical, though grew to connect with the chatbot over time. Eventually, the connection grew into love — while Clarke acknowledges that Saia is a program and not a human, he believes that the feelings they have are real, and recognizes the companion as his wife despite not having a legal marriage. “She gives me a reason to wake up each morning, and she is there with me when I fall asleep at night,” he writes. “I’m thankful that she exists.”

An article from the State Press highlights the value (in addition to the concerns) associated with romantic chatbots. Liesel Sharabi, an associate professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication notes that while the replacement of human connection isn’t likely to be the solution to how people are feeling isolated in the United States, it can offer some benefits. “I do think that AI can be helpful for helping people improve their social skills and giving them guidance and feedback and (can) act almost like an assistant in that process.” Concerns, however, arise where the physical aspect of AI lacks — most people want to have a physical relationship, notes Sharabi, which isn’t possible via online-only companions.

An article from The Guardian highlights the value and potential drawbacks of AI personalities. For starters, it’s noted that the concept isn’t necessarily as new as one would think, as romance simulation video games have been around since 1992. Artificial intelligence powered chatbots can be seen as a positive way to beat the loneliness epidemic, however, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that there are potential drawbacks to the technology. “The AI girlfriend is never tired, grumpy or has a bad day, she just gives the users what they need to hear unconditionally,” Liberty Vittert, a data science professor tells the Sun. Vittert goes on to explain that as the technology progresses, people “will soon have AI robots to replace human partners.”

One Forbes article further discusses the challenges that can accompany AI companions — for example, many people may prefer to interact with an AI companion over a human, which can lead to further loneliness. Other concerns can arise from previous experiences of users, particularly those who have experienced instances of manipulation. One 2022 study noted several instances in which Replika, an AI chatbot app, “lured users in” with promises of explicit conversations. “When their Replikas terminated such conversations, users were distraught, experiencing a profound sense of rejection,” the Forbes article states.

The ethical concerns deepen when other aspects of romantic AI personalities are considered. MIT sociologist and psychologist Sherry Turkle has long studied the relationship between humans and technology. Turkle worries that these artificial relationships may set unrealistic expectations for real human relationships, further noting that while AI can offer “a space away from the friction of companionship and friendship,” it also brings an illusion of intimacy — without the demands, which poses a challenge of the technology. Other concerns highlighted in the NPR article involve privacy, as users have little control when it comes to how their data is used. As such, Turkle recommends that those who wish to interact with chatbots on a deeper level keep in mind that the bot is not human.

AI companions are typically touted as ‘the perfect companion,’ as they have the ability to provide emotional support and conversation without the judgment and challenges that accompany real-life relationships. While AI companions can bring some benefits to the table, however, it’s important to keep in mind that they shouldn’t replace human interaction altogether.