[Other] Can Generative Artificial Intelligence Foster Belongingness, Social Support, and Reduce Loneliness? A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract: Innovative strategies to promote social support and a sense of belonging are needed urgently as one in three adults worldwide experience loneliness. This Chapter explores the prospect of generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in social support interventions to improve an individual’s sense of belonging, social support, and reduce loneliness. This Chapter reviews the prominent areas that AI chatbots are currently being implemented and their outcomes. It compares AI chatbots designed for social companionship with those designed for assistance such as ChatGPT and Bard. It investigates individuals who are more vulnerable and susceptible to using AI chatbots and the possible positive outcomes and negative effects to autonomy. Ethical considerations and limitations of the integration of AI chatbots being employed into today’s society are debated especially in terms of loneliness. Together, the arguments in this Chapter propose the benefits of using AI chatbots as an assistive tool to improve overall well-being by managing time, advising, offering suggestions, and collaborating with the user to indirectly promote a sense of belonging and lessen feelings of loneliness.

Lay summary (by Claude 3): In today’s world, loneliness has become a significant issue, with one in three adults experiencing it globally. This chapter explores the potential of using artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to provide social support and improve an individual’s sense of belonging, ultimately reducing feelings of loneliness. The chapter reviews the current applications of AI chatbots and compares those designed for social companionship with those created for assistance, such as ChatGPT and Bard. It also examines the individuals who are more likely to use AI chatbots and the potential positive and negative effects on their autonomy. The chapter discusses the ethical considerations and limitations of integrating AI chatbots into society, particularly in the context of loneliness. Despite these concerns, the authors propose that AI chatbots can be beneficial as an assistive tool to improve overall well-being. By managing time, offering advice and suggestions, and collaborating with the user, AI chatbots can indirectly promote a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness.