AfriPulse
Studies show benefits, but also growing risks.
Freepik
Loneliness has quietly become one of the biggest modern problems, and now, AI is stepping in as an unlikely companion. A new study led by Aalto University, set to be presented at CHI 2026, explores how AI companions impact users over time. And the results are a bit of a mixed bag.
Freepik
While interacting with AI companions can help users feel supported and less alone, the study also found signs of increased emotional distress in their online language over time, suggesting the relationship isn’t as simple as it seems.
Can AI really make people feel less lonely?
According to recent studies, yes. Well, at least to a certain extent. Research shows that interacting with AI companions can reduce feelings of loneliness, sometimes producing effects comparable to human interaction in the short term.
Tim Witzdam / Pexels
The reason is fairly straightforward. These tools are always available, non-judgmental, and designed to listen. For someone dealing with isolation, that kind of constant presence can be surprisingly powerful. In fact, many users report feeling “heard” by AI in a way that helps them open up emotionally.
There’s also a practical angle here. Not everyone has easy access to social support, whether due to geography, lifestyle, or personal circumstances. AI fills that gap by offering instant, one-on-one interaction at any time of day.
But is this comfort actually a good thing?
Here’s where things get complicated. While AI companions can ease loneliness, experts warn they could also reshape how people connect, potentially weakening real-world social skills or creating unhealthy dependence over time. There’s also an ethical concern, as replacing human interaction with AI might do more harm than good for vulnerable users.
In a way, that tension defines the space right now. AI can comfort and support, but it’s not a true substitute. After all, a great listener isn’t the same as someone who genuinely understands you.
Varun is an experienced technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer tech media. His work spans…
Claude just shut the door on OpenClaw (unless you pay more)
Anthropic’s latest move hits power users right in the wallet.
Anthropic just pulled a move that’s… let’s just say, not going to win it many fans among power users. One of the most popular ways to supercharge Claude, using OpenClaw, is effectively being paywalled out of existence. And yeah, it’s as messy as it sounds.
Anthropic just made OpenClaw way more expensive
Read more
Perplexity’s privacy lawsuit bombshells will make you sweat about using the AI tool
Private chats might not be as private as they seem.
Perplexity, one of the fastest-growing AI search tools right now, is suddenly facing some serious heat. And this time, it’s not about accuracy or hallucinations.
A fresh lawsuit is raising uncomfortable questions about what actually happens to user data behind the scenes, especially when people assume their chats are private. And if the allegations hold any weight, this could be one of those moments that prompts many users to rethink how casually they share information with AI tools.
Read more
Claude AI can now tap into emails, files, and even run tasks on your PC
With Microsoft 365 integration now open to all users and computer use landing on Windows, Claude is making a very deliberate move into your daily work routine.
Anthropic has been quietly adding more features to Claude, and this weekend announced two features that integrate the AI assistant deeper into your workflow and across your devices.
Microsoft 365 connectors are now available on every Claude plan.
Connect Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint to bring your email, docs, and files into the conversation.
Get started here: https://t.co/EdoQeT8BBN pic.twitter.com/sOrigP41FJ
— Claude (@claudeai) April 3, 2026
Read more
Source: Digital Trends | Read the Full Story…
