Can AI Solve the Loneliness Epidemic?

Author

Shira Lazar
May 25, 2025

Mark Zuckerberg recently said that AI might be the answer to our growing loneliness crisis. He talked about a future where intelligent chatbots become our “friends” — companions that are always available, always listening, and deeply personalized.

In a world where nearly half of Americans report having fewer than four close friends, that idea might sound appealing, especially for people who are socially isolated, live alone, or have trouble making connections offline.

Some research suggests emotional attachment to AI is becoming more common—and potentially harmful. According to a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, nearly 1 in 4 users reported feeling emotionally dependent on their AI chatbot. A Vox article explores how features like memory and natural voice can deepen this bond, making users feel genuinely understood.

But can AI really fix something as complex and deeply human as loneliness?

Let’s dig into that.

The U.S. Surgeon General called loneliness a public health epidemic in 2024, warning that it carries the same health risks as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s not just about sadness or boredom. Long-term social disconnection is tied to depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even early death.

A meta-analysis of 148 studies found that people with strong social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival, regardless of age, gender, or health status.

So yes, finding ways to support people who feel disconnected is incredibly important. In that context, AI starts to look like more than just a convenience. It starts to feel like a lifeline.

What AI Can Actually Do (and What It Can’t)

There’s no question that AI companions can provide some short-term relief. Tools like Replika and Wysa have helped people manage anxiety, loneliness, or depression through non-judgmental, always-on conversations. Some people say their chatbot “gets them” better than friends or family do. That’s powerful.

But here’s the thing: feeling heard isn’t the same as being understood.

AI can simulate empathy. It can mirror your mood and offer encouraging words. But it doesn’t feel joy when you succeed or sadness when you’re struggling. It doesn’t care — and on some level, we know that.

A 2024 Stanford study found that people who relied heavily on AI for emotional support actually felt more lonely over time. Not because the bots were bad, but because those relationships didn’t translate into the kind of social connection we’re wired to need.

🔥My hot take: AI can be helpful — even comforting — in small doses. But we have to be careful not to outsource intimacy to machines. 

We still need to do the hard, human work of showing up for each other: calling a friend, having a real conversation, making time for the people who matter.

Let’s not forget that.

Shira Lazar

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Don’t forget: RSVP to my Creators 4 Mental Health Event

To close out Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m hosting a special Creators 4 Mental Health event with Mad Chill this Thursday, May 29, at The Lighthouse in Venice, powered by Shopify.

It’s going to be a beautiful afternoon of real talk, grounding practices, and connecting with fellow creators who get it.

If you’ve been craving a reset or just want to be in community, I’d love for you to join us.

RSVP here—it would mean a lot to see you there.

Other headlines to check out:

AI

Creator Economy

Web3 

🎧 New Episode of The AI Download:
Agents of the Future: David Yang on the Rise of AI Employees and the Business Revolution Ahead

In this episode of The AI Download, I sit down with Dr. David Yang, founder of Newo.ai, to explore one of the most talked-about trends in tech right now: AI agents—what he calls “AI employees.”

We get into how these tools are already transforming small businesses, saving serious money, and changing how we think about work, relationships, and even digital personhood. From restaurant bots to real talk about falling in love with AI, this convo is wild, insightful, and packed with what’s next.

Gentle Reminder 🙏

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