Should AI Make Fake Companions or Help People Build Real-Life Friendships?

We think this may be making things worse. Instead of helping people connect, it risks training them to accept simulated relationships in place of real ones, potentially deepening the crisis.

We are experimenting with a different use of AI. Our project, Pulse Meet New Friends, matches small groups of strangers for a 7-day “mission” to plan and do something offline. An AI facilitator keeps the chat alive, suggests activities (like hiking, bowling, or board games), and nudges the group until they actually meet. The goal is not to replace human connection, but to make it easier for people to build it.

So what do you think: should AI replace human connection with digital companions, or should its role be to facilitate real-life friendships?