Millions turning to AI for friendship risk replacing real relationships with ‘social snacks’

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People relying on artificial intelligence for friendship could end up feeling even more isolated, new research shows.

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Scientists say millions using AI chatbots as virtual companions risk swapping real relationships for what they describe as "social snacks" - quick emotional fixes that feel comforting in the moment but lack the ingredients needed for long-term emotional wellbeing.The Stanford University study found that people who were more willing to share highly personal information with AI companions - including emotional distress, substance misuse and suicidal thoughts - were more likely to report feeling worse.Professor Diyi Yang, who led the research, said: "While some people turn to chatbots to fulfil social needs, we find that using chatbots in this way doesn't substitute for human connection.

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