I think AI will probably be capable of solving loneliness in an actually beneficial way: by encouraging us to seek socialization with other humans and by helping us improve ourselves to be better companions. Finally reversing the modern trend toward isolation.
Unfortunately the business incentives are probably a lot stronger to build the kind of thing that would replace human companionship instead of encouraging it. But I think it would be possible to design a system that would improve and connect people. It would be an interesting design challenge for sure.
> by encouraging us to seek socialization with other humans and by helping us improve ourselves to be better companions
That’s also my optimistic hope. AI doesn’t make you less lonely by being your friend, but by helping you recognize and debug cognitive distortions and self-sabotage. In this way, it’s like an extension of CBT, one of the most effective forms of therapy according to data.
Unfortunately the business incentives are probably a lot stronger to build the kind of thing that would replace human companionship instead of encouraging it. But I think it would be possible to design a system that would improve and connect people. It would be an interesting design challenge for sure.