Consumer Predictions About AI Companions’ Loneliness-Alleviating Benefits

Ascertain what the average consumer predicts regarding the loneliness-alleviating benefits of AI companion applications, and assess whether these predictions would lead to avoidance of potentially beneficial use.

Background

The authors argue that even if AI companions reduce loneliness, their effectiveness may be limited by adoption. Consumers might avoid AI companions due to mispredictions about how these applications will affect their feelings, a form of affective forecasting error.

Understanding typical consumer expectations about AI companions’ impact on loneliness is important for bridging the gap between actual benefits and perceived outcomes, which can inform design and communication strategies to promote effective usage.