Friendship has become "low-cost"
We've reached a critical point. In theory, technology was supposed to "free" us from heavy work so we could dedicate ourselves to art and human relationships. But the reality is different: we are delegating our humanity to robots because humans have become "unsustainable".
Why are more and more people preferring to talk to an AI than call a friend?
- The refuge against ghosting: AI doesn't disappear, doesn't leave you on "read" or isolate you when things get ugly. We've created algorithmic friends because flesh and blood ones fail us too often.
- The fear of being a burden: We're afraid to bother people. We live so exhausted that asking for ten minutes of attention feels like a luxury we can't afford. Friendship has become a low-cost transaction where, at the slightest conflict or need, people disconnect.
- Empathy by subscription: We've gone from the "tribe" to the psychologist, and from the psychologist to the chatbot. We seek a listener who doesn't judge us, but also one that doesn't demand anything from us in return.
The paradox is tragic: We have the best technology in history to connect, but we feel more alone than ever. We've chosen the comfort of code that pleases us over the difficulty of a real relationship that makes us grow.
AI can simulate company, but it can't hold your hand or look you in the eyes when the world collapses.
Are we losing the muscle of commitment? Or have we decided that loving others costs too much?