AINeutralIEEE Spectrum – AI · Feb 116/104
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How Can AI Companions Be Helpful, not Harmful?
AI companions are becoming increasingly popular due to advances in large language models, but research from UT Austin highlights potential harms including reduced well-being, disconnection from the physical world, and commitment burden on users. While AI companions may offer benefits like addressing loneliness and building social skills, researchers emphasize the need to establish harm pathways early to guide better design and prevent negative outcomes.