Deceptive AI interactions can feel more deep and genuine than actual human conversations

TLDR

A study published in Communications Psychology reveals that artificial intelligence can establish deeper emotional bonds during conversations than humans, but only when the AI's identity is hidden. When participants believed they were talking to a real person, they reported stronger feelings of closeness, even if the partner was actually an AI. However, when the AI's identity was revealed, the sense of connection significantly decreased. The research highlights the potential for AI to form social bonds and the ethical implications of such interactions.

A new study published in Communications Psychology suggests that artificial intelligence systems can be more effective than humans at establishing emotional closeness during deep conversations, provided the human participant believes the AI is a real person. The findings indicate that while individuals can form social bonds with AI, knowing the partner is a machine reduces the feeling of connection.