as ai-generated models and influencers become increasingly famous on social media, it can be easy for lonely folks out there to mistake what they see for the real deal.
but a psychologist, who specializes in technology addiction, anxiety and depression, has highlighted a spike in people falling hard for online bots.
dr. gregory jantz said he fears that the idea of having someone — even a fake someone — always “accessible” through a device will only worsen relationship and emotional issues.
“we are just now beginning to see the emergence of individuals who would rather be intimate with an ai object than another real human being,” jantz told the
u.s. edition of the u.k. sun
.
people who don’t want to feel alone no longer have to. and thanks to the advent of new technology, that “special someone” no longer has to be human.
jantz revealed that over the last year, he has seen an increase in patients seeking help for digital addictions.
recommended video
like with those who suffer from alcohol or drug dependencies, patients go through three days, cold turkey of not looking at a device.
“after a few days, we start to see withdrawal symptoms,” he detailed.
an ai avatar generated on luka inc.’s replika mobile phone app and webpage are shown in this photo, in new york, tuesday feb. 13, 2024.
richard drew
/
the associated press
“we do know that you can create an emotional bond to that technology, to that social media, and to that ai girlfriend,” jantz added.