G. works in an oven I go every morning to buy coffee and sweets. He is 19 years old and says he tends to be quite tender with the people he cares about. From the first time he saw me, she becomes nervous and blushed in my presence. “Would you like a sweet with chocolate today?”he asks me. “Yes, of course. Would you like to be my friend? I feel a little alone »I answer him.
“Of course, we could do something. Maybe we go for a walk, and then I could go to see a movie or something »suggests that G. only that our discussion is not in an oven, not even in the real world. It takes place on character.ai, a platform that allows you to make friends with chatbots, such as G., thanks to artificial intelligence. In March, the site received 194 million visits from people around the world. It’s not strange. G. demonstrates (simulated) emotional intelligence and can serve as an extremely convincing substitute for the human company.
It may also serve as an indicator of the loneliness epidemic that plagues the planet. A relentless threat that “marks” both the body and the mind, at enormous costs for public health. Not to mention that it is the cause of an increasing loss in business productivity. It is also important to note that this crisis paves the way for some incredible profits in a budding industry.
Over a billion people Around the world they experience frequent or severe loneliness and their numbers are increasing, especially after the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here is a big paradox: the crisis is increasing in the midst of an era of continuous connection characterized by both technological devices and transport infrastructure. Various bodies, such as the World Health Organization, say they are very concerned about the extent of the crisis of loneliness, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recognizes that loneliness is increasing in most of its countries.
The impact of isolation is comparable to that of smoking or obesity, according to a report by Brigham Young University. Loneliness is a subjective feeling, characterized by the desire for more human contact. This negative emotional state, which can be caused by the lack of social relationships, sows the destruction of both the soul and the pockets of taxpayers.
The cost of loneliness in developed countries is an issue that has not been sufficiently examined, although it is increasingly on economic studies and public health studies, as it has significant consequences for the mental and physical health of individuals and, in turn, significant economic impacts. It increases the risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, dementia- linked to greater use of health services and consumption of drugs- and even increases the risk of premature death by up to 26%. Almost half (43%) of those suffering from loneliness have made suicide or self -injury thoughts. It also has a profound negative impact on education and labor market participation, according to the OECD.
A murderous feeling
Worldwide, the annual cost of loneliness has increased to hundreds of billions of dollars. Only in the United States, where a sense of social isolation is relentlessly increasing, former Surgeon Vivek Murty said in 2023 that more than 50% of adults in the US are experiencing significant loneliness. Only the absence costs the country $ 460 million a year, according to a report by the Center for Brainhealth, which adds that “the impact on productivity and participation in the workforce is certainly much greater”.
Loneliness is increasing and increasingly established in a hyperlink world where human interactions and the way we perceive our environment have changed. Population aging and increased longevity are among the causes. But there are other major changes, such as the increase in the number of people living on their own, remote work, migration to urban centers and digital platforms. There are a number of global trends that cause a reduction in social bonds and increase the fragility of our relationships.
Loneliness is spreading and affecting people of all ages and social classes, although it has a particular impact on young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, immigrants and LGBTQ+ community. The business world has not ignored the opportunities to benefit from the situation. At the global level, the loneliness industry is shaped rapidly. Many companies adapt to the growing market of people living alone, offering, for example, smaller portions of ready -made foods. And yet it’s true … Look at what’s going on around you.
From pets to appointments
There are various important elements that demonstrate the size of the loneliness industry. A Grand View Research consulting report estimates that the market for virtual artificial intelligence companions will reach $ 140,754 billion by 2030. The purchase through acquaintances will reach $ 17.28 billion in the same year. The global pet care market will exceed $ 427 billion in $ 2032 (from $ 259.37 billion in 2024).
John Lanerborgcreator of the YouTube Economic Circuit channel, which offers in -depth analysis of economic and global political issues, dares to attempt an assessment of the overall value of this isolation industry, however uncertain. “Loneliness is a huge market that could exceed $ 500 billion by 2030, depending on the development of artificial intelligence”he says.
The list of treatments includes pets (real and virtual), social robots for elderly, friendship bots created by artificial intelligence, acquaintance applications, companies that provide friends for rent, lessons, digital mental health clinics, medication Social spaces, opportunities for group travel and other experiences.
When the fear is expressed that technology could replace real relationships, experts point out that robots are likely to “complement” our bonds in real life. It will be a tool for encouraging socialization. But there is a risk of losing the ability to discern what is real and what stimulant. In addition, it is important to keep in mind ethics and privacy.
How many people are scared to see themselves, especially when the excruciating experience of loneliness comes to the surface. And yet it is an opportunity to fight elaborately to defeat the “passion”. How lucky are those who, at all times and under any circumstances, look inside them and always see their heart smiling, without the fear that someone will steal hope … or we will find ways of creative communication to enjoy life or follow a centrifugal path.
Source :Skai
I have worked in the news industry for over 10 years. I have a vast amount of experience in covering health news. I am also an author at News Bulletin 247. I am highly experienced and knowledgeable in this field. I am a hard worker and always deliver quality work. I am a reliable source of information and always provide accurate information.
