Our postdoctoral researcher Hannes Cools wrote this long-form essay for de Groene Amsterdammer, in which he performs a deep analysis into the personal effects of using AI as a therapist or crutch for emotionally difficult conversations. Making links to current research, Martin Buber’s philosophy of dialogue, and more, Hannes shows how the seemingly safe connection one can establish with a chatbot avoids the friction of a conversation with another human, stripping them of occasions for discomfort, pushback, and subsequent growth. The large companies providing AI services have an interest in encouraging their users to form parasocial bonds with their products, as this deeper reliance also leads to more sustained and prolonged financial support. (Full piece in Dutch)
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