Loneliness doesn’t retire at 65
And no, a chatbot isn’t the answer. But it might be a starting point.
Ciao,
CEOs of key players in AI say one thing to the public and another behind the scenes. Should we be scared? I also heard Gary Vee who believes that humans will have AI girlfriends and boyfriends in 2 generations.
So here’s the thing. I read an article that got me thinking.
We talk about innovation, AI, and the future of work all the time.
But what about the future of not working?
What happens when the meetings stop, the kids move on, and the phone stays quiet?
The loneliness that hits in later life isn’t just emotional. It’s systemic.
Social circles shrink. Health gets complicated. The world moves fast.
And connection gets harder.
This is a human issue, not a tech one.
But increasingly, AI is stepping into the space where friends, community, and care used to be.
AI chatbots are now being used to fill the silence.
Not to solve loneliness, but to take the edge off.
Is that good design?
Is it ethical?
Is it enough?
We’re entering a moment where designers, leaders, and organizations need to ask harder questions about what support really means. Especially for aging populations.
Tech can be a tool. But it can’t be the touch.
Let’s not confuse presence with presence.
Here's a recent article worth reading:
Can Chatbots Solve the Loneliness Epidemic Among Older Adults? (Fortune)
It raises important questions, and avoids easy answers.
I’d love to know what you thought of this newsletter and any feedback you have for me. Feel free to hit reply.
Stay Creative,
Maria 🩵
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