The use of AI companions for befriending, emotional support or role-playing adventures reflects an increase in loneliness, particularly in the US.

AI companies such as Nomi, Replika and Character.AI allow users to create personalized AI entities with tailored personalities and memories. This growth in the use of AI companions reflects a growing epidemic of loneliness, offering companionship to people who are isolated, elderly or anxious. Experts point out that the responsiveness and memory capacity of AIs can make them more emotionally available than real people, but also raises concerns about addiction, manipulation and mental health risks.