WE'LL BE CLOSER TO AI THAN FRIENDS BY 2035'

Warning over virtual pals

- BY BEN BARRY

PEOPLE will have a stronger bond with Al pals than real friends in 10 years, an expert says.

AI artist Duncan Thomasen thinks virtual friends act as “cheerleaders” and demand less from people than flesh-and-blood companions do.

But he warns people are at risk of getting hurt if their online relationship suddenly collapses.