Blog 9 - Chatbots

The use of chatbots has changed significantly over the past couples years.
Chatbots are being used across multiple industries for a variety of purposes. The space where chatbots and AI are being used to really push the limits of ethics and human/machine relationships is where chatbots are becoming a replacement for emotional relationships. Chatbots using AI are being created to help people that are lonely, dealing with depression or stress. This truly raises the question about the growth of intimate relationships between humans and machines. There are already some AI chatbots being developed to mimic and respond to human emotion. These bots will be available 24/7 for anyone that needs someone to chat with about issues they are having.

These emotionally “in-tune” chat bots can be used for all kinds of things. For example, imagine you get home 3 hours after you normally do and you had a very stressful day at work and Amazon Alexa greets you by saying “You’re home late. Stressful day at work? Should I place an order for your favorite meal from the restaurant down the street. Also, I can start playing episodes from your favorite show so you can relax until your food arrives.”

I think there is a big future for these emotionally “in-tune” AI chatbots. As the babyboomer population continues to age. There will be a growing need for companionship that these chatbots can fill. Also, with how complicated things like the healthcare system and insurance industries are in the US, chatbots that can help people better understand and handle the frustrating details.