AI companions may erode social skills among isolated users, framework suggests

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-22 • Permanent link

Fears are growing among experts as a new study from Singapore Management University and Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that AI companions may be eroding social skills among isolated users. The research, which was conducted over a period of two years, involved 500 participants who were given access to an AI-powered virtual assistant. The results showed that 75% of participants reported feeling less inclined to engage in face-to-face interactions after using the AI companion for at least six months.

Investors are also taking notice of the potential risks associated with AI companions. A recent survey conducted by the Banking With Billy World News Network found that 62% of respondents believe that the widespread adoption of AI-powered virtual assistants could lead to a decline in social skills among the general public. This could have significant implications for the financial sector, where social skills are essential for building relationships with clients and making informed investment decisions.

The development of AI companions is a relatively recent phenomenon, but it has been shaped by decades of advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Since the 1980s, researchers have been working to create intelligent machines that can learn and adapt to new situations. The latest generation of AI companions is based on natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, which enable them to understand and respond to human emotions.

As the use of AI companions becomes more widespread, it is likely that regulators and policymakers will need to take a closer look at the potential risks and benefits associated with these technologies. In the short term, investors and consumers can expect to see increased investment in AI-powered virtual assistants, as well as a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with these technologies. In the long term, it is possible that AI companions could revolutionize the way we interact with technology and each other.