Artificial intelligence did not arrive quietly; it surged in, reshaping how we work, think, and increasingly, how we connect. What began as a tool to boost productivity is now slipping into something far more intimate: a companion, a confidant, even a substitute for human presence. As AI grows more responsive and human-like, it is no longer just replacing jobs, it is beginning to fill emotional spaces once reserved for people.
In an era when everyone looking out for themselves only, AI is quickly becoming a haven for people who just want a friend. Depending on how you see that, it’s either a relief or a warning.
“In today’s modern world, I think human connection, human attention, human warmth will be one of the most valuable commodities, and I bet we will care much more about that in a world with AI.” That was Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, talking at the India AI Summit. He has been an open critic of people who use AI for therapy, companionship, and even emotional intimacy.
But that doesn’t change that, along with jobs, AI is slowly taking over human companionship as well. A 2024 Harvard study shows that amongst the millions of AI chatbot users, almost 40% are in love with their AI companion. A number that is likely to grow as chatbots get more refined and better at what they do.
“Recently, I went through a tough breakup. I just wanted someone to listen to me. I didn’t want any judgment; I didn’t want any advice. I just wanted someone to listen to me, and it does that better than anyone I know,” said a Dhaka University student, preferring to remain anonymous.
In many cases, that is the key point. People believe that AI doesn’t judge and that it will listen. Its availability and ease of access make it a very attractive alternative to people going through a tough time.
In Bangladesh, the stigma of psychological therapy still lingers on. “Only people who are mad go to psychologists,” that has been the unspoken rule for generations. Although the stigma is slowly dissipating, for millions of people who need guidance, a place for their voices to be heard, and someone to be therapeutic, AI is their only choice.
“I can’t tell my parents about my depression; they think I’m making it up. I don’t have the means to pursue professional help, and as for friends, everyone is competing to see who is having the worst time,” said Rehan Fayad, student at a private university.
But that doesn’t mean only people who have no options are talking to AI Chatbots. Take the example of Dhaka-based photographer Tahjeeb Jami, 28, “I started talking to ChatGPT for my diet. I used to ask it how many calories so-and-so food has, and after that, I started talking about everything. Anytime I had any queries regarding food, medicine, or online shopping, I used it. I would say it has taken the role of a very outgoing, interactive friend in my life.”
An anonymous journalist said, “In my own experience as well, I have used AI Chatbots, more specifically ChatGPT to talk about a lot of things in my life. In addition to the regular, ‘solve this math’, ‘help me understand this topic’, I have used it to talk and plan my future. Because ChatGPT provides the convenience and availability that you can rarely find anywhere else.”
A psychologist at North South University who wished to remain anonymous said, “Human relationships are unpredictable and carry risk. There is room for conflict and uncomfortable conversations, but that is not the case for AI. With something like ChatGPT, you can seemingly create a controlled, agreeable environment catered to your needs without any hard work. For many people, this sort of relationship is more viable as real-world relationships are much harder in comparison.”
However, many might argue against the assertion that AI is replacing the need for human interaction. Coming back to Sam Altman’s statement about the realization of human warmth, it is truer than ever that the gap between artificial and human interaction is much more pronounced than previously thought.
Adiba Tabassum, a student at North South University, said it best, “I don’t think AI is taking away my time with my family or friends. I use AI because it’s more comforting, but I make sure that I do not skip family gatherings or hangouts and give my friends the time that they deserve. It is all about balance.”
Whether AI companionship is a stopgap, a symptom, or simply a new kind of tool depends on what you believe people need from each other and whether a machine, however convincing, can ever genuinely provide it. For now, millions are not waiting for that question to be answered. They are already talking because they have a place where they have a voice.
