Is AI a Friend?

As society becomes increasingly atomized and social media the default environment for news, friendship, and even romantic relationships, the Harvard Business Review reports that 1 in 3 Gen Z have used AI for personal advice, including “advice about relationships or life decisions”, 1 in 4 have used AI as a friend, and even 1 in 10 have turned to AI for romantic solace. In such an environment, how do we understand ourselves not only as humans, but as beings inherently created for relationality, love, and community?

Writing in America, Professor Charles Camosy observes, "while some may be inclined to move closer to the view that AI is like us, the broader culture is actually primed to move closer to the view that we are like AI." With a background in bioethics and moral theology, Camosy delves into the increasing complexities, intricacies, and moral questions necessarily raised when we seek to…