[neuronic]

But that depends on which interactions it replaces. There are people I don't want to talk to. Not always because I don't like them but because it's technicalities and unrewarding forced interactions. For example, clerks at the tax office who just do their job.

But on the other hand, there are interactions which I really don't want to miss! "Girlfriend" GPT is already targeting the most intricate and joyful interactions in my life: my SO.

Let's say we break up and I fall into a depression. Instead of recovering and moving on, will I install a personal OSS AI companion to save myself the hassle of modern dating? Therefore preventing myself from attempting novel interactions sooner? Or will it help me instead to overcome a dark period and prime me for the future?

Can it help people combat loneliness - a disease widespread and not to be trifled with? Or will it enhance loneliness by effectively fooling your brain into not caring anymore because you can just open an app?

At what point will it not matter anymore because saving someone from depression is more valuable than keeping it "real" at all times?

[surgical_fire]

> Can it help people combat loneliness - a disease widespread and not to be trifled with?

Is loneliness a disease?

It's an honest question. I never saw it as an issue. I tend to be a loner, but in a sense I was also never truly lonely.

[neuronic]

Apart from the other answers, I want to add that there is a significant difference between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness is when you're alone but don't want to be. Solitude is when you're alone but perfectly content with it - you may even seek it.

As humans are social creatures, loneliness tends to arise when meaningful social interactions are consistently insufficient and you feel excluded from any relevant peer groups (family & friends mostly). This, of course, is a subjective matter.

[surgical_fire]

I like this answer. You explained it in a way I could comprehend.

Thank you internet stranger.

[Barrin92]

Yes. Loneliness is associated with extremely negative health outcomes comparable to physical disease, and some countries like the UK have gone as far as creating a dedicated minister to tackle the issue.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/loneliness-minister-its-m...

[TeMPOraL]

It's definitely a "civilizational disease" - a widespread condition that has deteriorating effect on mental health and happiness, noticeable at scale, caused by... the structure and pressures of modern living in urbanized, developed countries. It's also not something most individuals can "just fix" on their own through lifestyle intervention.