Psychologist warned about a new kind of dependence on neural networks
Russian psychologists are paying attention to the formation of a new type of behavioral addiction, called "digital intimacy." We are talking about the deep emotional attachment of users to virtual interlocutors, chatbots and partners based on artificial intelligence. Psychologist Maria Makarenko explained the phenomenon of "digital intimacy" in an interview with Izvestia on February 5 and called for caution in using AI interlocutors.
The main vulnerability that the expert identifies in such relationships is their absolute accessibility and security. The AI partner does not get tired, does not argue, does not say "no" and adapts perfectly to the user's expectations.
"This is especially critical for teenagers who are just learning how to build social connections. In real life, if you call a friend in tears, he may be busy. And this rejection is part of an important lesson: we learn complacency, self—regulation, and patience. A digital partner is available 24/7 and is always ready to support. This creates a dangerous habit of instant gratification of emotional needs and reduces tolerance to the slightest rejection or misunderstanding on the part of real people," warned Makarenko.
The psychologist identified four key factors that make a relationship with AI attractive and risky at the same time. AI communication satisfies the "here and now" request at any time of the day, unlike a partner who may be asleep or busy.
AI unconditionally praises, agrees, and creates the illusion that the user is always right and wonderful. This creates a distorted view of healthy relationships, where constructive criticism and dialogue have a place.
"The absence of conflicts creates a false standard of "ideal" relationships, to which real communication, with its compromises and misunderstandings, begins to seem unsatisfactory," adds Makarenko.
For people, especially those with high intelligence or broad interests, AI becomes a unique "universal" conversationalist, able to keep up a conversation on any topic — from quantum physics to a borscht recipe. This can lead to a condescending attitude towards the knowledge and horizons of real people.
"Having got used to the fact that AI "understands at a glance" and does not pay attention to mistakes, people lose the ability to formulate thoughts clearly and patiently convey them to others. The lack of practice of self-regulation and the expectation of instant approval make a person more anxious and intolerant in real communication. The value of real connections also decreases. A person begins to perceive others as less interesting, intelligent, or responsive compared to an "ideal" digital partner. This can lead to further social isolation," Makarenko believes.
The psychologist emphasizes that the key is not to abandon technology, but to use it consciously, without sacrificing human connections.
"Education at the family and school level is important. It is necessary to explain, especially to teenagers, that AI is a tool, not a substitute for relationships, to explain the difference between simulated empathy and real empathy," says Makarenko.
In addition, according to the psychologist, parents themselves need to understand the phenomenon in order to teach children a critical attitude to "digital intimacy" and help them maintain a balance. Technology, the expert notes, should serve people, not replace humanity. Risk awareness is the first step to enjoying the benefits of AI without being locked into a world with a virtual friend who will always say yes.
In January, experts in Russia and abroad noted the growth of deepfakes created on the basis of photos and videos taken in 2016, which users massively posted on social networks. Cybersecurity experts told Izvestia that such archival materials are publicly available and are quickly collected by fraudsters using automated programs to create plausible fakes.
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