Learning Curve

Why Do So Many Students Have AI Friends?

Episode Summary

More than 40 percent of high school students have AI friends or know someone who does, according to a recent survey. What does this phenomenon mean for how students and teachers view the AI tools used in education. What are the risks and potential benefits of turning to a bot for companionship? Hear from a researcher who has studied AI friends, and from a college dean who developed an unexpected relationship with a bot.

Episode Notes

"1 in 5 high schoolers has had a romantic AI relationship, or knows someone who has," NPR. 

How many hours does it take to make a friend?,” research by this week’s guest Jeff Hall.

Chatbots Can Go Into a Delusional Spiral. Here’s How It Happens,” in The New York Times.

Talk out the Thomas Jefferson chatbot discussed on this episode.

Programmed for Love,” an article I wrote for The Chronicle of Higher Education about Sherry Turkle’s work back in 2011.