[slibhb]

This is like the debate over welfare and free-riders.

There are some people who need welfare to get by. They cannot provide for themselves. But once a welfare program is created, there will be a different number of people who don't need it but decide to live off it anyway.

AI companions are the same deal. There are definitely people who can't socialize. But once you invent AI companions, some number of people who could learn to socialize never will.

[HPsquared]

In the long run, relating to others might become one of those obsolete skills (like reciting epic poetry or writing in cursive).

[hanselot]

Damn that's the perfect analogy for it.

So let me flip that. What about the dark side of society that can't express themselves legally or physically in whatever their jurisdiction. Those people may be able to gain some facsimile of intimacy instead of execution etc.

Not sure how that fits into the welfare scenario though.

[guntherhermann]

This is a fascinating take that I've never really considered. Thanks