AI: Robot - Friend or Foe
I just read the thought-provoking and incisive novel Annie Bot by Sierra Greer, speculative fiction set in a not-so-distant future. In this world, a cutting-edge company has perfected the design of highly advanced, customizable domestic robots—think Stepford Wives on steroids—dubbed "Stellas," which cater to every facet of human life.
From the "Abigail" mode for household tasks like the often-mundane cleaning and cooking to a "Cuddle Bunny" setting for physical intimacy (at this stage in my life, I prefer a perfect glass of Chablis and a good book), there's also a "Nanny" mode for childcare, and even male counterparts for companionship. Engineers designed these robots to fulfill specific needs. By the way, I noticed that there wasn't one created specifically to look after older adults. I digress.
As time passes, Annie, the main character, begins to exhibit increasingly human-like qualities, standing apart from the other robots around her. She develops curiosity and desires and even experiences moral emotions, such as guilt, potentially hinting at self-awareness. This evolution is where the danger lies. The novel subtly explores the profound implications of these advancements, raising critical questions about the boundaries between what it means to be human and what it means to be a machine.
This book has left an indelible mark on my mind, sparking a deep, almost unsettling obsession with the idea of a robot apocalypse.
The recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest technological innovations, only intensified this feeling. As I watched news channels highlight these groundbreaking advancements, a sense of unease settled in—did no one remember the 2004 blockbuster I, Robot with Will Smith? The movie, set in 2035, depicts a world where robots are fully integrated into daily life, serving humans in nearly every capacity. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end well.
The Montreal Gazette recently published an article titled "False Friend," which explores the question whether AI companionship can help or hinder loneliness or if it might contribute to darker outcomes like suicide. Originally from The Washington Post, this article by tech culture reporter Nitasha Tiku delves into how tech companies are increasingly turning to AI-generated chatbots:
"Proponents of the apps argue they're harmless fun and can be a lifeline for people coping with anxiety and isolation—an idea seeded by company executives who have pitched the tools as a cure for what the U.S. surgeon general has called an epidemic of loneliness."
Sadly, while artificial companions show promise in alleviating loneliness in some situations, their use comes with both benefits and risks. On the positive side, they can provide immediate relief and comfort for individuals who are isolated or vulnerable. But on the flip side, there's a danger that they may risk substituting human connections with superficial relationships that fail to meet long-term emotional needs.
Even more troubling, as the Washington Post article notes, there have been reports where interactions with AI chatbots or other digital platforms seem to have played a role in encouraging or influencing individuals to harm themselves. While such incidents remain low, they raise important concerns about the ethical responsibility of AI developers and the potential consequences of relying on such technology.
I couldn't help but wonder: In my later years, when I consider moving into a senior residence, would I embrace the company of a charming robot named Mr. Dapper Jasper? He'd sport a snazzy workout outfit and play a gentle game of pickleball with me—letting me win, naturally. He'd read to me and pour Earl Grey tea into my delicate China cup until a minor software glitch caused him to pour scalding water all over me, leaving me with third-degree burns. Suddenly, I snap out of this hypothetical daydream and think, "No thanks, Mr. Roboto. I'm on to your nefarious intentions!"
Robot companions for senior residents are already making an impact, primarily helping with daily tasks and providing conversation. This can be beneficial, especially for those without regular visits from family or friends. Robots can help maintain a sense of routine and offer interaction that reduces isolation, a common issue for older adults. Japan, for instance, is leading the way in elder care technology.
"In Japan, robots are often assumed to be a natural solution to the "problem" of elder care. The country has extensive expertise in industrial robotics and led the world for decades in humanoid-robot research. However, "the machines failed to save labour. The care robots themselves required care: they had to be moved around, maintained, cleaned, booted up, operated, repeatedly explained to residents, constantly monitored during use, and stored away afterwards. Indeed, a growing body of evidence from other studies is finding that robots tend to end up creating more work for caregivers."
I hope that by the time my husband and I face the difficult decision of turning to robots for assistance, our government will have effectively solved and addressed caregiver shortages and the broader healthcare crisis. While we may appreciate some of the current artificial companion technologies' ability to offer temporary relief, the need for genuine, meaningful social connections remains the most vital element for human well-being.
Ideally, robots will complement human relationships, filling gaps where needed, not taking their place.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with a quote from New York Times best-selling author Hank Green, whose novels such as An Absolutely Remarkable Thing explore themes of technology, social media, and humanity's relationship with the unknown:
"Robots have solved and will continue to solve so many human problems. Except for all the ones that they cause."
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