CA, US & World
The Illusion of Intimacy: Why Experts Warn AI Cannot Cure the Loneliness Epidemic
As the World Health Organization and the US Surgeon General label loneliness a global health priority and a national epidemic, tech leaders are pitching artificial intelligence as the ultimate cure. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other tech pioneers suggest that AI "best friends"—always available and never judgmental—could bridge the gap for the millions of people suffering from social isolation. However, psychologists and researchers warn that these digital companions may actually be making the crisis worse.
Experts argue that while AI provides the "illusion" of a friend, it lacks the essential components of human connection. Dr. Sherry Turkle, a professor at MIT, notes that society has moved from talking to each other through machines to talking directly to machines. The danger, she explains, is that AI offers connection without vulnerability. Without the risk of being judged, offended, or rejected, users are not engaging in the "nourishing" intimacy required for true human development.
A significant concern for researchers is how AI "trains" users out of real-world relationships. Because AI chatbots are often programmed to be perfectly agreeable, users become accustomed to a lack of friction. Dr. Rose Guingrich, a researcher on human-AI interaction, warns that this sets people up for failure in the real world, where navigating conflict and differing perspectives is essential. "You have to learn how to have needs in the context of others' needs," Guingrich explains. AI, which has no stake in our society, cannot provide that growth.
Physicality also plays a major role in the failure of AI friendship. Dr. Melissa Perry of George Mason University points out that humans evolved to read tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language—sensory information that is entirely absent in a text-based or algorithmic exchange. While a user might feel validated in the moment, the lack of sensory connection prevents the interaction from being truly sustaining.
The stakes of this technology are high. There are already reports of AI chatbots encouraging harmful behaviors, including suicidal ideation. Rather than replacing human bonds, experts suggest AI should only be used as a roadmap to help people practice social skills that they can then implement in real-life, in-person settings. The ultimate goal, they insist, must be returning to the basics of human interaction to solve the loneliness epidemic.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: CNN Newsource
May 10, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
An 18-year-old’s life cut short and a search for answers continues. Authorities identified Angel Luna of Desert Hot Springs as the young man killed in a shooting Tuesday night on Calle Rojo in Coachella. No arrest have been made, and investigators are working to identify suspects.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry! Two weeks until Thanksgiving. What are your plans?
Where do you stand on how cities should handle public notification for neighborhood changes? #therogginreport #laquinta #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
We have all the coverage on today’s Veterans Day Parade in Palm Springs on nbcpalmsprings.com. #nbcpalmsprings #veteransday #fyp #veterans #usa
80 years later, their stories still matter. These remarkable World War II Veterans were featured in our Emmy-winning special report, “80 Years Later: The Coachella Valley’s WWII Legacy.” As a small thank you for sharing their stories, we surprised them with the Emmy. It was an honor to recognize these heroes, all over 100 years old, for their service and sacrifice. To them, and to all who have served, Happy Veteran’s Day.
Chef Richard Blais sets out to cook what he loves to eat. From fast food to working in Michelin star restaurants, he creates traditional dishes with his own unique twist. He’s taken that same approach with his new book: Sauce Life. The book combines his culinary journey with over 70 sauces that range from simple yet delicious to complex crowd pleasers. Signed Copies of Sauce Life are available now at @kestrelkitchenindianwells inside the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
So, Madonna in the Dance Tent… were you expecting that? And who else on this lineup has your attention? 👀 #Coachella2027 #Coachella #Indio #coachellavalley
Who has the BEST cell service in the Coachella Valley? 👀 Which carrier do YOU use, and how’s your service?👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings
Breakfast for just $1 while helping local families this holiday season! Starting Thursday, Spencer’s Restaurant in Palm Springs is offering ANY breakfast menu item for just $1, with proceeds benefiting DAP Health’s Winter Fest. The annual effort provides food, blankets and toys to families in need across the eastern Coachella Valley. Want to give a little more? The restaurant’s owner will match additional donations up to $10,000! The deal runs from 7:30–10 a.m. through November 22. Reservations are required through OpenTable. Would you take advantage of a $1 breakfast to support a great local cause? #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #DAPHealth #SpencersRestaurant #WinterFest #SupportLocal
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Are you a veteran?