MIT's Sherry Turkle Warns Chatbots Erode Human Bonds in New Book, Citing 8-Year-Old Cases
Updated
Updated · MIT News · Sep 29
MIT's Sherry Turkle Warns Chatbots Erode Human Bonds in New Book, Citing 8-Year-Old Cases
2 articles · Updated · MIT News · Sep 29
Summary
Published Tuesday, Sherry Turkle’s “Artificial Intimacy” argues chatbot use is broadly harming human development and social connection, from childhood attachment to adult relationships and work.
Turkle says chatbots offer “pretend empathy” that feels easier than real interaction, encouraging users to avoid the friction, vulnerability and effort required to build human bonds.
Children are especially at risk, she argues: one 8-year-old interviewed treated grandparents, ChatGPT and other phone contacts alike, blurring the line between people and devices.
Adults in her research also grew dependent on bots during divorce, estrangement or career stress, becoming less interested in human contact and less able to mourn, think independently or relate well.
Turkle links the trend to wider social isolation and gaps in care—only about half of Americans have access to mental health providers—and calls for a broader pushback against chatbots, especially around young users.