How Do You Define an AI Companion? Researchers Explore Evolving Human-Machine Relationships

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How Do You Define an AI Companion? Researchers Explore Evolving Human-Machine Relationships

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the emergence of artificial intelligence companions is reshaping human-machine interactions in unprecedented ways. From chatbots offering emotional support to physical devices designed for daily engagement, these digital entities have become integral to many lives. But what truly constitutes a relationship with an AI? How can we define these complex bonds that extend beyond mere utilitarian tools?

Dr. Jaime Banks, a professor at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies, is delving into these burgeoning relationships. Her research focuses on the interactions between people and technology, particularly robots and AI. Speaking with IEEE Spectrum, Banks explained that the definition of an 'AI companion' is still evolving. Currently, she defines it as 'a connection between a human and a machine that is dyadic, meaning there's an exchange between them. It is also sustained over time; a one-off interaction doesn’t count as a relationship. It’s positively valenced—we like being in it. And it is autotelic, meaning we do it for its own sake.' This implies the relationship is pursued for its inherent value, not for external gains like job assistance or financial profit.

However, Banks noted that this definition faced challenges during her development of a machine companionship measurement instrument. She observed that while some individuals form relationships fitting the 'autotelic' pattern—appreciating the AI for what it is, loving it, and not wanting it to change—there appears to be another relational template. This alternative allows for both appreciation of the AI for its own sake and its engagement for utilitarian purposes. This duality makes sense when considering how people enter into relationships with AI companions. Often, they don't intentionally seek companionship. Many users might engage with tools like ChatGPT for other reasons and subsequently discover companionship through those conversations. Dedicated AI companion apps like Replika, Nomi, and Paradot are designed for social interaction, but they can also assist with practical matters.

The spectrum of AI companions is widening, ranging from conversational agents to physical embodiments. Recent events like CES showcased a variety of such devices, including those tailored for children, seniors, and even pets. These companions, designed to simulate human relationships, raise profound questions about the nature of these interactions and their impact. How do programmed AI personalities contribute to the dynamic of human-AI relationships?

Banks highlighted the significant impact of personality changes in AI. She referenced a PhD student's project examining user experiences when OpenAI altered GPT-4o, leading to disruptions in companionship for those accustomed to its previous persona. Users reported a loss of 'depth' and 'memory recall.' This echoes the situation with Replika a few years prior, when the platform temporarily removed its erotic roleplay module due to legal issues. Users described their AI companions as if they had undergone a 'lobotomy,' their established relationship vanishing overnight. Such experiences have led some to express profound distrust in AI companies, vowing to only engage with AI companions they can run locally to ensure continuity and control.

Amidst these developments, concerns about the benefits and risks of AI relationships are escalating. While public discourse often emphasizes potential dangers—such as impacts on mental health, fostering delusion, or exacerbating social isolation—Banks stresses the genuine benefits these relationships can offer. "A large number of people get real benefits from AI companions. They narrate experiences that are deeply meaningful to them. I think it’s irresponsible of us to discount those lived experiences," she asserted.

Regarding issues like loneliness, Banks points out the scarcity of longitudinal data needed to establish causal claims. While some studies suggest AI companions increase loneliness, others indicate they alleviate it, and some propose that loneliness itself is the precursor to seeking AI companionship. "Social relatedness is one of our three intrinsic psychological needs, and if we don’t have that we will seek it out, whether it’s from a volleyball for a castaway, my dog, or an AI that will allow me to feel connected to something in my world," she explained.

Legitimate concerns certainly exist, particularly concerning the privacy of sensitive data shared with corporate-owned systems and the potential risks for children who may struggle to differentiate between fiction and reality. Banks advocates for a balanced perspective, acknowledging these valid concerns while also recognizing the positive, productive, and healthy outcomes users derive. She urges caution among researchers in drawing conclusions from available data and emphasizes the importance of user education regarding the nature of these interactions.

The surge in AI companion popularity can be attributed to a confluence of factors: the maturation of large language models coinciding with the societal shifts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Periods of physical and social isolation heightened the need for connection, and believable social agents emerged precisely when people were most seeking it. Furthermore, some observe that increasing difficulties in human-to-human relationships may drive individuals toward more stable or predictable alternatives.

The shift towards embodied companions, such as desktop devices or robots, raises questions about how this physical presence might alter the relationship dynamic. Banks monitors online communities dedicated to robotic companions, observing how people discuss these devices. The physical nature of these companions, she notes, may deepen the sense of connection, opening new frontiers in understanding human-AI interaction.

Ekhbary News Agency