Good piece, Alberto! Yes, social problems require social solutions.
It's not only that tech bros propose tech solutions, but also that they propose the worst possible solutions, as far as they can make a buck with them. In my view, AI companions is one of the worst possible AI applications you can imagine, because, as we know, AI could simulate emotions but doesn't have emotions.
There could be tech "helpers" to curb isolation, and I give you one simple example: some people eat alone in a restaurant but would like to share lunchtime food with others. But it's often too awkward to invite unknown people to join–especially if you are shy. But a "Sharelunch" app could notify you that another person, also user of Sharelunch, is eating nearby. Once they both get a notification, humans take over and connects with the other in person, not virtually. They have a lunch together and perhaps a new friendship starts.
This is not to give you a "pitch" about Sharelunch (which doesn't exist) but to make the point that AI is being used in the worst possible way. Other venues are possible, though I'm not sure they are profitable enough.
With Character AI, I’ve seen a lot of discourse that’s basically says “ban children from using it, but adults are mentally healthy and can use the platform”
I’m sorry — there’s nothing healthy about forming relationships with any form of AI
100%. I understand some people don't have alternative (e.g. old people without close relatives, etc.) But it should never be the first option. I wrote about this almost two years ago with this exact thesis and it's sad it's getting more and more real over time
At least for a long time in the future, the mindset that technology will solve every problem is foolish, especially when it comes to dealing with human problems such as loneliness. You cannot replace human connection with a robot or AI.
“Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”
Robert Waldinger
“Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation. Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives, the study revealed. Those ties protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes. That finding proved true across the board among both the Harvard men and the inner-city participants.”
While technology can offer tools and platforms to connect people, it cannot substitute the emotional and psychological benefits of human interaction. Prioritizing relationships is essential for well-being.
I have lived since 1956, before the crass materialism of our times took over. I don't dislike computers at all. I dislike what we have become. I do remember the old days for me back at the University of Oklahoma: 1974-1980. Those were great days, much slower days. Everything took longer to do. The days seemed kind. Crass materialism, not computers, has ruined our society. You can actually talk about the times in the 1970s when that all died. It died pretty fast. Really, by 1980 it was starting to be completely dead. It is dead now. Quite dead. Money is the only reason to live according to capitalists, politicians, and the whole lot of society. We have whole publications devoted to detailing the many reasons capitalism and the devotion to money are the intelligent way to go: FEE, Reason, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times. We wonder why we have loneliness among all folks. I don't wonder. I know exactly why. I am so sorry that old society is gone. I would definitely slow down and do things those old ways again to have that society back--a human world, a caring world. I know, I know, that world had its problems. It really was racist, classicist, and misogynist. We were working on those things like people, not like money-addicted automatons, though.
Good piece, Alberto! Yes, social problems require social solutions.
It's not only that tech bros propose tech solutions, but also that they propose the worst possible solutions, as far as they can make a buck with them. In my view, AI companions is one of the worst possible AI applications you can imagine, because, as we know, AI could simulate emotions but doesn't have emotions.
There could be tech "helpers" to curb isolation, and I give you one simple example: some people eat alone in a restaurant but would like to share lunchtime food with others. But it's often too awkward to invite unknown people to join–especially if you are shy. But a "Sharelunch" app could notify you that another person, also user of Sharelunch, is eating nearby. Once they both get a notification, humans take over and connects with the other in person, not virtually. They have a lunch together and perhaps a new friendship starts.
This is not to give you a "pitch" about Sharelunch (which doesn't exist) but to make the point that AI is being used in the worst possible way. Other venues are possible, though I'm not sure they are profitable enough.
100% that's the sweet spot for tech founders. Be a helper but don't pretend you can be the solution by yourself.
With Character AI, I’ve seen a lot of discourse that’s basically says “ban children from using it, but adults are mentally healthy and can use the platform”
I’m sorry — there’s nothing healthy about forming relationships with any form of AI
100%. I understand some people don't have alternative (e.g. old people without close relatives, etc.) But it should never be the first option. I wrote about this almost two years ago with this exact thesis and it's sad it's getting more and more real over time
Your best piece to date ❤️
Thank you Alec!
At least for a long time in the future, the mindset that technology will solve every problem is foolish, especially when it comes to dealing with human problems such as loneliness. You cannot replace human connection with a robot or AI.
An 85 years old Harvard study (https://tinyurl.com/5n8rapdh) says
“Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”
Robert Waldinger
“Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation. Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives, the study revealed. Those ties protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes. That finding proved true across the board among both the Harvard men and the inner-city participants.”
While technology can offer tools and platforms to connect people, it cannot substitute the emotional and psychological benefits of human interaction. Prioritizing relationships is essential for well-being.
I have lived since 1956, before the crass materialism of our times took over. I don't dislike computers at all. I dislike what we have become. I do remember the old days for me back at the University of Oklahoma: 1974-1980. Those were great days, much slower days. Everything took longer to do. The days seemed kind. Crass materialism, not computers, has ruined our society. You can actually talk about the times in the 1970s when that all died. It died pretty fast. Really, by 1980 it was starting to be completely dead. It is dead now. Quite dead. Money is the only reason to live according to capitalists, politicians, and the whole lot of society. We have whole publications devoted to detailing the many reasons capitalism and the devotion to money are the intelligent way to go: FEE, Reason, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times. We wonder why we have loneliness among all folks. I don't wonder. I know exactly why. I am so sorry that old society is gone. I would definitely slow down and do things those old ways again to have that society back--a human world, a caring world. I know, I know, that world had its problems. It really was racist, classicist, and misogynist. We were working on those things like people, not like money-addicted automatons, though.
...there is nothing more depressing to me than the idea of a.i. therapists...
It's terrible. And terrible that there aren't enough human therapists for all the people needing therapy
We're only getting warmed up
The Robot GF will take this to the next level
Once they're smarter, more loyal, more loving and more useful than your average tinder date, its going to get wild