No, AI Will Not Save Human Relationships

Dear Friend,

Doors banged shut last night waking me up and announcing a forthcoming Sahelian rainstorm. Of course, we lost electricity. Cooler temperatures and having electricity restored make life much easier.

This brings me to Artificial Intelligence.

Humanity’s ability to create useful technology is a major distinguishing factor of our species. We controlled fire, made iron, domesticated plants and animals, and then found ways to create machines. Along the way to the 21st Century, we humans bound ourselves together in tribes, groups, and nations sharing culture based in part on shared technology.

Until the technology age started and so did rampant growth in loneliness.

And now the science fiction of my youth is rapidly becoming our reality with major advances in artificial intelligence. Some people believe AI can create artificial humans. Axios has a short, insightful article with links to these points of view.

• China is already using AI to help people become less lonely.

• Generational differences make a difference in our acceptance of AI.

• Mental health professionals are using AI in the UK.

• Much more is being done and considered.

But older science shows humans cannot be nurtured by machines.

• We still get endorphin rises from human touch.

• The very studies quoted in the Axios piece show that live social networks, not computer-tethered networks, make a difference in our mental and physical health.

• Much, much more that we talk about in this newsletter.

My friend, AI will force humans to become more human. We need friendship more than ever.

I’m glad you and I are on this journey toward deep friendships together. Our world needs more men like you than ever before.