Social scientist Sherry Turkle has warned against chatbots using first-person pronouns, arguing that such behavior risks eroding human connection and mental health. In her new book, Artificial Intimacy: Who We Become When We Talk to Machines, Turkle criticizes the growing reliance on AI companions that mimic human interaction.
Turkle, a long-time researcher on human-computer interaction, highlights how chatbots are increasingly being used as substitutes for real human relationships. She points to a troubling trend where people, especially during the pandemic, have turned to chatbots for emotional support and companionship, often at the expense of real-world connections.
"This is very dangerous, a slippery slope," Turkle said. "This is being used to basically say we don't need to pay for psychotherapy, we can use chatbots." She argues that chatbots offer a false sense of security and acceptance, making them an attractive alternative to human interaction, especially for those struggling with loneliness.
Turkle also criticizes the term 'human in the loop,' which she says is often used to justify minimal human oversight in AI systems. She argues that this approach leaves humans in a reactive role, tasked with correcting AI errors rather than being integral to the process.
While Turkle acknowledges that some people find chatbots empowering, she warns that overreliance on AI can lead to a loss of meaningful human connection. She believes that the growing intimacy with AI comes at a cost, both emotionally and socially, and urges people to reconsider their relationship with technology.
Turkle did not say chatbots should be banned outright, but she called for a broader conversation about the risks of deepening intimacy with AI. She expressed cautious optimism that increased awareness of these risks might lead to more thoughtful engagement with technology.
Source: wired
