AI Chatbots, Emotional Attachment, And Loneliness: A Human-Centred AI Perspective

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and social AI systems has introduced new possibilities for addressing loneliness, social isolation, and the need for emotional and social support.This review examines the role of AI-powered chatbots, social robots, and AI companions in reducing loneliness and promoting social connectedness, while also considering their psychological, ethical, and societal implications.Existing research indicates that AI systems can provide personalized interactions, emotional support, accessibility, and a sense of companionship, particularly for individuals experiencing social isolation and older adults.Factors such as perceived emotional support, reduced fear of judgment, privacy, personalization, and social interaction can contribute to emotional attachment and improved feelings of belonging.However, prolonged or excessive engagement may also result in emotional dependence, pseudo-intimacy, reduced human interaction, privacy concerns, data exploitation, and potential manipulation.Research further suggests that emotional attachment to AI is influenced by users' interaction patterns and perceptions of the system, with attachment being associated with indicators of user dependence.Although several AI-based interventions have demonstrated reductions in loneliness, outcomes vary depending on intervention duration, interaction frequency, technology type, and individual characteristics.Therefore, AI should be viewed as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for meaningful human relationships.Future development should prioritize transparency, user autonomy, privacy protection, culturally sensitive design, and safeguards against over-reliance.A human-centered approach combining technological innovation with ethical governance is essential to ensure that AI supports social well-being while preserving human dignity and authentic social connections.[2],[3],[4]