A fake friend? AI companions are exactly that
Seow Hon Tan · Singapore Management University Institutional Knowledge (InK) (Singapore Management University) · 2025
In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Law Tan Seow Hon discussed how AI companions, which promise emotionally intelligent companionship, have blurred the line between human and machine relationships by mimicking empathy, memory, and affection. She suggested that while such technologies may ease loneliness, they risk fostering narcissism, diminishing real human connection, and replacing authentic friendship with comforting illusions that erode the capacity for love and community.