Chatbots are not a substitute for human connections, input from people, or our own creativity.

Variety in our social partners and their functions is linked to better psychological and physical health.

When used appropriately, chatbots may serve new and meaningful functions in our social lives.

Co-authored by Ryan Moore, Ph.D., assistant professor, iSchool and School of Computing, the University of Texas at Austin.

My daughter bought me a label maker for my birthday. I had never considered using a label maker. But suddenly, the leftovers in the freezer required a name and a date, the file drawers in my office needed topic indicators, and the boxes with holiday decorations are now clearly marked with what is inside. Who knew that something you never had could be so indispensable?

Chatbots may be the label makers of the social world. We never knew how useful they could be until they arrived. A chatbot, especially when powered by today’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) models, can feel like talking with another person. With names like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, chatbots may play important and unique roles in our social lives.

New technologies present exciting opportunities, but also reasons to be cautious or concerned. These new AI tools usher in concerns about job obsolescence, security, and the environment. But when used appropriately, AI tools could enhance our social lives in meaningful ways. Let’s focus on enhancement here, not substitution.

Using Chatbots in the Social World

I’ve mentioned previously that different types of social ties fulfill diverse social needs: belongingness, information, everyday tasks, support, intimacy, and feeling loved and cared for. No single social tie fulfills all needs. We benefit from a mix of romantic partners, children, friends, neighbors, close acquaintances (i.e., fringeships), and even strangers.

Historically, new technologies introduced........

© Psychology Today