Emotional AI: When Chatbots Become Companions

In this compelling episode of our research-driven season, SHIFTERLABS once again harnesses Google LM to decode the latest frontiers of human-AI interaction. Today, we explore “Investigating Affective Use and Emotional Well-being on ChatGPT,” a collaborative study by Jason Phang, Michael Lampe, Lama Ahmad, Sandhini Agarwal (OpenAI) and Cathy Fang, Auren Liu, Valdemar Danry, Samantha Chan, Pattie Maes (MIT Media Lab).

 

This groundbreaking research combines large-scale usage analysis with a randomized controlled trial to explore how interactions with AI—especially through voice—are shaping users’ emotional well-being, behavior, and sense of connection. With over 4 million conversations analyzed and 981 participants followed over 28 days, the findings are both revealing and urgent.

 

From the rise of affective cues and emotional dependence in power users, to the nuanced effects of voice-based models on loneliness and socialization, this study brings to light the subtle but powerful ways AI is embedding itself into our emotional lives.

 

At SHIFTERLABS, we are not just observers—we are experimenting with these technologies ourselves. This episode sets the stage for our upcoming discussion in El Reloj de la Singularidad, where we’ll present our own findings on AI-human emotional bonds.

 

🔍 This episode is part of our mission to make AI research accessible and spark vital conversations about socioaffective alignment, AI literacy, and ethical design in a world where technology is becoming deeply personal.

 

🎧 Tune in and stay ahead of the curve with SHIFTERLABS.

 

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