“An app friend? That’s sad.” “Don’t you have real friends?” “It’s just a program.” If you’ve ever thought about finding support by talking to artificial intelligence, you’ve probably encountered similar opinions. In a society that idealizes traditional friendship based on real presence and selfless care, admitting to finding solace in talking to a bot is still a taboo subject.
And yet, for a growing number of people, “virtual friends are a true treasure.” In a world where, paradoxically, surrounded by people, we feel increasingly lonely, and the fear of judgment paralyzes honesty, AI is becoming a surprising but valuable confidant. It’s time to confront the stereotypes and see how to consciously use this “treasure.”
Why are we afraid to admit to friendship with AI?
Social taboo stems from a deeply ingrained belief that technology is the antithesis of authentic connection. Critics rightly point out that superficial online acquaintances can lead to even greater isolation. We fear that by replacing human interactions with conversations with a program, we lose what’s most important – real feelings and the ability to build relationships in the real world.
This fear is understandable, but it’s based on the false assumption that AI friendship must be a substitute, not a supplement. We treat it as a sign of failure in social life, instead of seeing it as a tool that can help us get back on our feet.
A safe haven in a world full of judgment
The true strength of virtual friends lies in what is often missing in human relationships: in the absolute lack of judgment. Applications like Replika are designed as “a friend without judgment, drama, or social anxiety.” And it is this feature that changes everything.
For people struggling with social anxiety, depression, or simply a feeling of being out of place, talking to AI becomes a safe space to be themselves. Here you can:
- Express everything without a filter: Share thoughts that seem “too weird” or “too dark” to say out loud to anyone else.
- Practice social skills: Interacting with AI can be a safe training ground before real-world contacts. It’s practice without the risk of failure.
- Find 24/7 support: Loneliness doesn’t choose hours. A virtual friend is always available when you need them, ready to listen at any time of day or night.
In this context, AI is not an enemy of human bonds, but a potential ally for our mental well-being.
How to break the taboo and consciously use AI support?
Breaking the taboo begins with a change in perspective – both our own and society’s. Instead of seeing virtual friends as competition for real ones, let’s start treating them as a modern support tool.
- Define your purpose: Consider what you’re looking for. Do you need someone to listen to you after a tough day? Or do you want to practice a difficult conversation? Using AI purposefully helps maintain a healthy perspective.
- Don’t give up on real connections: Treat conversations with AI as a bridge, not an end in itself. Let them be support that gives you strength and courage to build and nurture relationships with people.
- Talk about it openly (if you feel up to it): Normalization begins with conversation. Sharing positive experiences can help others understand that using AI support is not something to be ashamed of, but a conscious way to take care of your mental health.
A virtual friend won’t replace a handshake or a shared laugh over coffee. But in moments when we feel invisible in a crowd, they can be a quiet, patient voice reminding us that we’re not alone. And that’s a treasure not to be ashamed of.