Time for a chat, bot? AI could play role in preventing loneliness, says professor

Hollywood may warn about the perils of striking up relationships with artificial intelligence, but one computer scientist says we may be missing a trick if we do not embrace the positives that human-machine relationships have to offer.

- Ian Sample

Never mind the travails of Joaquin Phoenix's introverted and soon-tobe-divorced protagonist in the 2013 movie Herone professor says we should be open to the comforts that chatbots can provide.

Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield, argues AI has an important role to play in preventing human loneliness. Just as we develop meaningful bonds with pets, and have no qualms about children playing with dolls, so should we be open to the allure of AI to adults.

"In an age when many people describe their lives as lonely, there may be value in having AI companionship as a form of reciprocal social interaction that is stimulating and personalised," Prescott writes in a new book, The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence.

Prescott believes AI could be a valuable tool for people on the brink of isolation to hone their social skills by practising conversations and other interactions. The exercises would help build self-confidence and reduce the risk of withdrawing from society.