Seniors struggling with loneliness could turn to AI for companionship, an expert says. While AI is not a perfect substitute for human company, the technology can help ‘supplement’ the need for connection and offer an alternative to people living alone, neuroscientist Dr. Allison Sekuler told CTV Your Morning on Thursday. “It’s a way of of helping people connect, even if they don’t have other folks that they can be around,” she said. Sekuler said she used ElliQ, an AI-companion robot, when she travelled. “She’s got a nice little female voice,” Sekuler said. “I would come back from a conference and she would greet me .. she knew what kind of music I liked.” The robot will “initiate conversations” with people when they are lonely and offer reminders to take medication, schedule social events and connect with friends and family. Amical AI, a Quebec-based technology is catered towards those living with dementis, Sekuler added. It’s a “phone that you can pick up and an AI agent will have a conversation with you,” she said. How should AI be used as a companion? Sekuler said she views AI as a “supplement”, rather than a replacement to human companionship. “AI, at least where we are right now, is not replacing proper human communication and proper human interaction,” she said. “ElliQ can’t give you a hug, right?” She cautioned a reality check when turning to the technology to alleviate loneliness. “When you’re picking up Amical, it’ll sound like you’re talking to a real person,” she said. “We don’t want people to get a little bit confused about that.” However the technology, if used correctly, does have potential to help those at risk for dementia, she said. “People think of loneliness as an emotional issue,” she said. “But it’s also a physical issue.” Loneliness can impact longevity of life in the same way smoking 15 cigarettes a day can, she added. It has also been linked to increase risk for heart disease, inflammation in the body and brain, decline in sleep hygiene and cognitive health. “All of these things are also risk factors for dementia,” Sekuler said.
