Künstliche Intelligenz als Dialogpartner: Chancen und Risiken für soziale Interaktionen

AI as the Preferred Conversation Partner

According to a representative survey conducted by the health insurance company Pronova BKK, which involved 3,485 adults aged 18 and older, about 40 percent of young adults prefer to communicate with Artificial Intelligence (AI) rather than with relatives. Particularly among those under 30, around 70 percent consider AI chatbots to be valuable conversation partners, especially for people who feel lonely.

The Impact on Social Skills

Expert Patrizia Thamm from Pronova BKK expressed concern about the possible consequences of this development. In her opinion, the preference for AI interactions could lead to a deterioration of our social skills. „AI promotes clear, ready-made answers instead of open conversational processes, thereby changing communication behavior,“ Thamm stated. In interpersonal conversations, one experiences friction and differing perspectives, which are crucial for personal growth.

A Double-Edged Sword for the Lonely

The survey highlights that even people over 60 view Artificial Intelligence as a valuable conversation partner. 59 percent of this age group see AI as a way to alleviate loneliness. However, Thamm emphasizes that while AI may temporarily reduce feelings of social emptiness, it cannot fulfill a person’s emotional needs. „AI remains a system without its own feelings and does not replace real relationships,“ she warns.

Daily Life of Germans in the Age of AI

The survey shows that Artificial Intelligence is widely used in the daily lives of Germans. For instance, 96 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds use AI for various purposes, whether for research, advice, or simply for a nice chat. However, the technology is not without errors; about half of young users have already received incorrect information from AI.

Conclusion: Opportunities and Challenges for Investors

The survey results shed light on the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence in society and its impact on interpersonal relationships. For investors, this means that companies investing in the AI sector face both opportunities and challenges. While the demand for AI solutions is rising, companies must also keep an eye on the social implications of their technologies to remain value-generating in the long term.