The rise of AI companions, serving as online friends or romantic interests, has sparked concerns among experts about the potential impact on real-world social connections and relationships. According to Kasley Killam, author of "The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier," while AI can be a useful tool to practice social interactions, it should not replace human relationships.

Killam, a social health expert and Harvard School of Public Health graduate, expressed her skepticism about AI improving people's social skills during a panel at the SXSW conference in Austin. She noted that AI companies often tout the benefits of using their AI companions to practice conversations and social skills for real-world use. However, she warned that this type of practice should not replace real-world connections.

Killam emphasized the importance of practicing social skills in person, suggesting that it should be taught in schools and practiced in real-time. She believes that this approach would make it a natural part of our toolkit for navigating life. The author's concerns are not unfounded, as recent research from app intelligence provider Appfigures found that AI companion mobile apps saw a staggering 652% year-over-year revenue growth in 2024, attracting $55 million in consumer spending.

The U.S. was the top market for these apps last year, accounting for 30.5% of total consumer spending. Killam's research revealed that "hundreds of millions" of users are already using AI as a "friend, as a lover, as husband, as a wife, as a boyfriend, [or] as a girlfriend." While Killam acknowledged that AI chatbots like ChatGPT can be useful, she recommended that these tools be used as "part of our portfolio" of social health, not as a replacement for actual relationships.

Killam stressed that having diverse sources of social interaction is crucial, citing the importance of having friends, coworkers, and acquaintances in addition to romantic partners. She warned that relying solely on AI companions can become a problem, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to social health. The expert also touched on other areas where technology intersects with social health, including its impact on the loneliness epidemic, our culture of "busyness," and how people now spend time scrolling social media or listening to or watching media to kill time instead of talking to other people.

Killam suggested that people should make an effort to call or text a friend during downtime, rather than immediately turning to technology for entertainment. As the use of AI companions continues to grow, it is essential to consider the potential consequences on our real-world social connections and relationships. By acknowledging the benefits and limitations of AI in social health, we can work towards creating a more balanced and healthy approach to social interaction.

In conclusion, the rise of AI companions raises important questions about the impact on human relationships and social health. While AI can be a useful tool, it is crucial to recognize its limitations and ensure that it does not replace real-world connections. By promoting a balanced approach to social health, we can work towards creating a society where people feel comfortable and have opportunities to practice social skills in person.