By Paul 
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming more sophisticated, and it is now possible to create AI systems that are capable of holding conversations and providing companionship. This has led to some people wondering whether AI could one day replace human friends.
There are a number of dangers associated with allowing AI to become a replacement friend. First, AI systems are not capable of providing the same level of spiritual or emotional support as human friends. AI systems can be programmed to respond to certain prompts in a way that simulates empathy, but they do not truly understand or share our emotions. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially for people who are already struggling with social anxiety or depression.
Second, AI systems can be used to manipulate and control people. For example, an AI system could be programmed to identify and exploit people’s vulnerabilities, such as their loneliness or their desire for companionship. This could lead to people being taken advantage of or even abused.
Third, AI systems could be used to collect and store personal data about people. This data could then be used to track people’s movements, monitor their online activity, or even influence their thoughts and behaviour. This could pose a serious threat to people’s privacy and security.
For these reasons, it is important to be cautious about allowing AI to become a replacement friend. While AI can certainly provide some benefits, it is important to remember that it is not a replacement for human interaction. Human friends can provide us with emotional support, companionship, and understanding in a way that AI simply cannot.
Here are some tips for avoiding the dangers of AI as a replacement friend:
- Be aware of the limitations of AI. AI systems are not capable of providing the same level of emotional support as human friends.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information with AI systems. This information could be used to track you or influence your thoughts and behaviour.
- Set boundaries with AI systems. Don’t allow them to take over your life or replace your human relationships.
- Make sure you have a strong network of human friends and family. These relationships will provide you with the emotional support you need, even if you do use AI as a supplement.
AI is a powerful tool, but it is important to use it responsibly. By being aware of the dangers and setting boundaries, we can ensure that AI enhances our lives rather than replacing them.
Now the sharp-eyed among you may have noticed this is not really written in my usual style. That of course is because it was actually written by an AI. I thought it made some good points and suggested some things which are worth engaging with so left it up to prompt discussion. Here are a few of my own reflections:
Firstly I have now spoken to people who are actually struggling with this problem and my fear is that there will be many more people in the future who find interaction with other humans so problematic (for many reasons) that they will choose AI over people.
Secondly, while it may be possible that some AIs will be written and directed by prompts to challenge and disagree with us there is a desire to be affirmed and agreed with that makes us shy away from disagreement. A good friend is not someone who always agrees with us, it is someone who loves us and speaks the truth in love.
Thirdly there is, in my opinion, something about the connection of physical, spiritual and emotional that makes us different to all other creation. Image of God is not simply a theological idea I think it is integrally connected to how we relate to each other as humans. I’ve always thought that there is something wonderful about meeting together in congregations (churches). The interaction is necessary for the church to function as a church and I think God designed it that way.
I’ve found AI to be a very useful tool and I’ve certainly enjoyed some of the interactions with AIs such as pi.ai over the last few months but I know I need people and because we are not what we should be interactions with people can be challenging by they are part of why we are made as we are.