MIT News breed · Science

Chatbots Harm Human Development, Argues MIT Professor

Sherry Turkle's "Artificial Intimacy" warns that over-reliance on chatbots erodes human connection and development, offering "pretend empathy" that discourages real-world interaction.

Turkle notes people like Brian turn to chatbots for emotional validation, asking them about intimacy. She states chatbots offer "pretend empathy" and lack genuine care.

The book suggests chatbot appeal lies in constant affirmation, leading users to prefer them over complex human relationships and reducing effort in real connections.

Turkle is concerned chatbots hinder child development, blurring lines between AI and people, and impeding learning trust and solitude. She calls these dangers "existential."

For adults, chatbot dependency can reduce relational skills. The book also notes potential loss of mourning ability when simulating deceased relatives.

Chatbots fill voids, offering easy interaction, but Turkle argues this is a cure for problems technology created.

Turkle advocates embracing life's "friction" and hopes her book spurs a movement to push back against chatbot overreliance.

She questions the endgame: a future where babies prefer chatbots to complex humans, asking, "Is that who we want to be?"

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