[JohnFen]

> I believe a good AI friend/companion/therapist would genuinely improve most people's emotional state and greatly reduce social issues.

I think the opposite, that such artificial "friendships" are more akin to a drug that gives a short-term relief at the cost of increasing long-term dysfunction. At the very least, it poses the risk of devaluing the notion of friendship.

But, I suppose, we're going to find out.

[armchairhacker]

Or it could be short-term relief that moves somebody from a bad mindset to a good one, so they start taking care of themselves. Perhaps it makes them go out more, leading to real friends.

The key is "good". An AI friend which just validates and reinforces one's existing feelings (like current AI) may become popular, but I wouldn't call it a good friend. Fortunately if such AI leads to bad outcomes, real friendship will be seen as more valuable.

[RyanHamilton]

This friend will suggest you buy Nike shoes (ad sponsored) to cheer yourself up. Or recommend pharmaceuticals like us tv advertisements. The future is black mirror.