This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Humanity, as much as it has sought to understand itself, has also been eager to create new beings in its own image. From the myth of Prometheus in ancient times to the present day, the idea of "artificial entities that behave like living beings" has captivated our imagination.
Today, artificial intelligence is no longer confined to stories; it occupies the very center of our real lives. Moreover, it no longer merely takes on mechanical tasks; it appeals to our emotions, influences our decisions, and sometimes even shapes our perception of who we are.
How prepared is human psychology for this rapid transformation? Where exactly does the interaction between artificial intelligence and humans begin, and where is it heading? In this article, we will explore this complex and fascinating question through current research and future projections.
Especially after the pandemic, loneliness has become a global psychological epidemic. It is precisely in this void that AI-powered "digital companions" such as Replika have entered the scene. Users can engage in daily conversations with these bots, share their secrets, and even develop feelings of affection toward them. For instance, Replika’s founder Eugenia Kuyda developed the application after losing her closest friend, inspired by the idea of creating a digital reflection of that person. This was a profound product of the grieving process.
Research shows that digital friendships can reduce anxiety and feelings of loneliness in the short term. However, it is emphasized that in the long term, they cannot replace genuine human relationships due to the absence of empathy, reciprocity, and emotional depth, and thus fail to provide complete satisfaction.
Human psychology desires to believe that the other side is conscious and capable of feeling. No matter how sophisticated an artificial intelligence may be, this deep need is not fully met. Consider this: When a chatbot tells you, “I care about you,” does it truly care, or is it simply programmed to say those words?
According to the World Health Organization, depression will be among the world’s largest health concerns by 2030. Against this backdrop, the inadequacy of traditional psychological support systems is a harsh reality. It is at this point that AI-based therapeutic applications such as Woebot and Wysa have come into play.
Woebot provides daily support to users based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. It can offer immediate responses, analyze emotional states, and suggest small behavioral changes.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
An important question arises here: “Do I need an AI that understands me, or a human who can feel for me?”
Therapy is not merely a technical skill; it is also a process of forming an emotional bond. Therefore, AI-assisted therapies may serve as supportive tools, but it remains questionable whether they can penetrate the full depth of the human soul.
Today, in the digital world, what we watch, which ideas we support, and even what products we purchase are largely shaped by algorithms.
Which series will Netflix recommend to you? Which posts will Instagram show? Which topics will Twitter elevate to the forefront?
This invisible steering mechanism raises serious questions about the concept of free will.
Systems Exploiting Cognitive Biases:
This situation brings into question whether our choices are truly “free.” Are we making our own decisions, or have algorithms already decided for us?
Artificial intelligence behaving like a human is simultaneously captivating and unsettling. According to the “Uncanny Valley” theory, when an artificial entity closely resembles a human but is not quite human, people begin to feel discomfort and unease.
For example:
These experiences simultaneously trigger our brain’s bonding and threat-detection systems. As we attempt to form relationships with entities that resemble humans but are not fully human, our sense of identity, security, and emotional boundaries are called into question.
AI systems are increasingly acquiring emotional intelligence (EQ) capabilities. They are now attempting to understand not only what we say but how we say it:
Technology giants such as Amazon and Google are developing systems capable of reading emotions. One of the most intriguing examples is “emotive AI” projects. As this technology advances, AI will respond with personalized emotional reactions, adjust its tone based on our voice, and even attempt to cheer us up with a witty remark when our mood is low. But the big question remains:
As beings who genuinely need real emotions, can artificial empathy truly satisfy us? Or will we, in the long term, drift away from authentic human connections and become more isolated?
The interaction between artificial intelligence and humans is no longer merely a technological issue; it is a profound psychological inquiry into who we are, how we feel, and what kind of world we wish to create. Artificial intelligence offers us speed, convenience, and unlimited access. But genuine emotions, authentic connections, and true meaning can still arise only between human beings. Therefore, as we move toward the future, let us not hesitate to admire technology—but let us also never forget the value of remaining human, feeling deeply, and being real.
1. Digital Friendships: A Story Beginning in Loneliness
2. AI Therapists: Revolution or Risk?
3. Algorithms and Our Decisions: Invisible Interventions
4. Human-Like AI: Between Awe and Unease
5. The Future: Psychologically Adaptive Artificial Intelligence
Conclusion: The Art of Remaining Human
