Today's Close-Up S2026E07 - Closer Than Friends or Family? — Turning to AI for Companionship

The struggles of everyday life are driving more and more people to use AI chatbots to fill the void in their hearts. Attracted by the sense of support and the constant availability, some have even 'married' AI characters, or recreated deceased partners to fill the feelings of loss. Meanwhile in the US, there have been cases where bereaved families have sued AI companies, claiming that the bots caused loved ones to take their own lives. We look into the way people use AI, along with some precautions it might be wise to take.

Guest: Satoh Ichiro (Professor, National Institute of Informatics)