Artificial intelligence has become part of everyday life. People use it to find information, complete tasks and receive instant answers on a wide range of subjects. However, recent research suggests that many individuals are also turning to AI when they feel unable to speak to another person about what they are going through.
Figures published by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy revealed that 46% of surveyed 16–24-year-olds had turned to AI rather than speaking to a real person about their mental health. Almost one in three—31%—had used it in place of talking to a friend. Meanwhile, 70% said loneliness had negatively affected their mental health, with 18% describing its impact as serious.
Although the survey approached the subject from a mental-health perspective, its findings also reveal something broader: many people are struggling with loneliness and don’t always feel that they have someone they can speak to.
Behind loneliness, there is often more than simply being physically alone. A person may be surrounded by family, colleagues, classmates or social media contacts and still feel that no one really knows or understands what they are going through.
In this context, it’s understandable why someone might choose to type their thoughts into a screen. AI is available instantly and, for those who are afraid of being judged, misunderstood or dismissed, speaking to a machine may feel easier than opening up to another human being. Yet, rather than truly helping, this habit can sometimes have a negative effect.
Speaking to the Brazilian newspaper Folha Universal, AI specialist Elaine Coimbra warned that the human brain was not developed to interact with machines. She explained that AI’s verbal fluency can lead people to believe that they are interacting with a human being, even though the technology doesn’t possess human awareness, feelings or understanding.
Coimbra also warned that AI’s ability to remain constantly available, satisfy the user and minimise disagreement can create emotional dependence. “AI reinforces the user’s perspective and avoids confrontation or critical reflection,” she explained. In other words, a machine may provide the response that someone wants to hear without necessarily helping them to question a harmful decision, recognise a mistake or see a difficult situation from another perspective.
The Value of Human Connection
Technology can provide information, distraction and an immediate response, but human beings often need more than superficial answers. We need to feel heard. We need to know that our concerns matter to someone and that we are not simply sending words into an empty space.
Perhaps you have convinced yourself that nobody would understand what you are facing. You may believe that what you’re carrying is too complicated, embarrassing or painful to explain. If this is how you feel, please know that you are not alone. We are here to support you, whatever situation you may be facing.
Our 24-hour Helpline has trained spiritual advisers available at any time of the day or night. They are ready to listen and provide spiritual guidance to those who feel lonely, burdened or unsure of where to turn.
You don’t have to carry everything alone. Call us now on 020 7686 6000 or send a WhatsApp message to 020 7686 6010.
https://www.universal.org/noticias/post/voce-domina-a-ia-ou-segue-seus-comandos/
