Companion Robots: A Problematic Prescription for Loneliness

Humans by nature seek companionship. Sadly, hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from social isolation and loneliness. Companies are now developing robots designed to form personal relationships with humans, and they will proliferate. The development of companion robots is controversial. In this essay I argue the relationships people form with companion robots may reduce loneliness but increase social isolation. If companion robots that simulate human friendships and affection turn out to have long-term detrimental social consequences, government regulation will be required.

Read the entire essay in ACM Ubiquity