Latest news with #socialinteractions
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
New Study Shows Teens Are Increasingly Relying on AI Chatbots for Social Interaction
This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter. Yeah, this seems like it's going to be a problem in future, though maybe that's considered the cost of progress? Last week, Common Sense Media published a new report which found that 72% of U.S. teens have already used an AI companion, with many of them now conducting regular social interactions with their chosen virtual friends. The study is based on a survey of 1,060 teens, so it's intended as an indicative measure, not as a definitive overview of AI usage. But the trends do point to some potentially significant concerns, particularly as platforms now look to introduce AI bots that can also serve as romantic partners in some capacity. First off, as noted, the data shows that 72% of teens have tried AI companions, and 52% of them have become regular users of these bots. What's worth noting here is that AI bots aren't anywhere near where they're likely to be in a few more years' time, with the tech companies investing billions of dollars into advancing their AI bots to make them more relatable, more conversational, and better emulators of real human engagement. But they're not. These are bots, which respond to conversational cues based on the context that they have available, and whatever weighting system each company puts into their back-end process. So they're not an accurate simulation of actual human interaction, and they never will be, due to the real mental and physical connection enabled through such. Yet, we're moving towards a future where this is going to become a more viable replacement for actual civic engagement. But what if a bot gets changed, gets infected with harmful code, gets hacked, shut down, etc.? The broader implications of enabling, and encouraging such connection, are not yet known, in terms of the mental health impacts that could come as a result. But we're moving forward anyway, with the data showing that 33% of teens already use AI companions for social interaction and relationships. Of course, some of this may well end up being highly beneficial, in varying contexts. For example, the ability to ask questions that you may not be comfortable saying to another person could be a big help, with the survey data showing that 18% of AI companion users refer to the tools for advice. Nonjudgmental interaction has clear benefits, while 39% of AI companion users have also transferred social skills that they've practiced with bots over to real-life situations (notably, 45% of females have done this, versus 34% of male users). So there's definitely going to be benefits. But like social media before it, the question is whether those positives will end up outweighing the potential negatives of over-reliance on non-human entities for traditionally human engagement. 31% of survey participants indicated that they find conversations with AI companions as satisfying or more satisfying than those with real-life friends, while 33% have chosen AI over humans for certain conversations. As noted, the fact that these bots can be skewed to answer based on ideological lines is a concern in this respect, as is the tendency for AI tools to 'hallucinate' and make incorrect assumptions in their responses, which they then state as fact. That could lead youngsters down the wrong path, which could then lead to potential harm, while again, the shift to AI companions as romantic partners opens up even more questions about the future of relationships. It seems inevitable that this is going to become a more common usage for AI tools, that our budding relationships with human simulators will lead to more people looking to take those understanding, non-judgmental relationships to another level. Real people will never understand you like your algorithmically-aligned AI bot can, and that could actually end up exacerbating the loneliness epidemic, as opposed to addressing it, as some have suggested. And if young people are learning these new relationship behavors in their formative years, what does that do for their future concept of human connection, if indeed they feel they need that? And they do need it. Centuries of studies have underlined the importance of human connection and community, and the need to have real relationships to help shape your understanding perspective. AI bots may be able to simulate some of that, but actual physical connection is also important, as is human proximity, real world participation, etc. We're steadily moving away from this over time, and you could argue, already, that increasing rates of severe loneliness, which the WHO has declared a 'pressing global health threat,' are already having major health impacts. Indeed, studies have shown that loneliness is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 30% increased risk of incident coronary artery disease or stroke. Will AI bots help that? And if not, why are we pushing them so hard? Why is every app now trying to make you chat with these non-real entities, and share your deepest secrets with their evolving AI tools? Is this more beneficial to society, or to the big tech platforms that are building these AI models? If you lean towards the latter conclusion, then progress is seemingly the bigger focus, just as it was with social media before it. AI providers are already pushing for the European Union to relax its restrictions on AI development, while the looming AI development race between nations is also increasing the pressure on all governments to loosen the reigns, in favor of expediting innovation. But should we feel encouraged by Meta's quest for 'superintelligence,' or concerned at the rate in which these tools are becoming so common in elements of serious potential impact? That's not to say that AI development in itself is bad, and there are many use cases for the latest AI tools that will indeed increase efficiency, innovation, opportunity, etc. But there does seem to be some areas in which we should probably tread more cautiously, due to the risks of over reliance, and the impacts of such on a broad scale. That's seemingly not going to happen, but in ten years time, we're going to be assessing this from a whole different perspective. You can check out Common Sense Media's 'Talk, Trust, and Trade-Offs' report here. 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
People Who Are Lovely But Have No Real Friends Share These 15 Traits
Navigating the world of friendships can be tricky, especially when you feel like you're a genuinely lovely person but somehow still lack a solid friend group. It's not uncommon to feel like you're doing everything right and yet, somehow, friendships just don't stick. You might wonder if it's something you're doing—or not doing—that keeps you on the outskirts of social circles. Let's dig into some common traits that people like you might have, which could be impacting your ability to make or maintain real friendships. This isn't about pointing fingers but rather understanding yourself a bit better. 1. Overthinking Social Interactions Overthinking can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes you considerate of others' feelings; on the other, it might keep you from being present in the moment. You might replay conversations in your head, wondering if you said the wrong thing or came off as awkward. This deep introspection can lead to a lot of self-doubt, which might make you hesitant to reach out or follow up with people. According to a study by Harvard psychologist Susan David, overthinking can actually hinder your emotional agility, making it harder to form authentic connections. Overthinking often leads to paralysis by analysis, where you spend so much time analyzing a conversation or potential interaction that you end up doing nothing. This inaction can make you seem distant or uninterested, even though that's far from the truth. You might agonize over the perfect text response or worry about saying the right thing, causing delays or missed opportunities. By the time you're ready to act, the moment may have passed, and the opportunity to deepen a connection is lost. This pattern can unintentionally create distance between you and potential friends. 2. Being Too Agreeable Being agreeable is usually a good thing, but there can be too much of a good thing. If you find yourself constantly agreeing with others to avoid conflict, it might make you seem less genuine. Friends want to know the real you, not just a version of you that always nods along. By always going along with what others say or do, you might be unintentionally hiding your true self. Over time, this can lead others to see you as a bit of a mystery, someone who is hard to get to know on a deeper level. When you're too agreeable, it can also lead to a lack of respect from others. People might start to see you as someone whose opinions are easily swayed, which can make your relationships feel one-sided. You might find that people only come to you when they need validation rather than genuine companionship. It can feel like you're drifting along with the tide of someone else's life instead of steering your own ship. This lack of authenticity can make it difficult for others to form a true bond with you, as they might question what you genuinely stand for. 3. Having High Empathy But Low Emotional Boundaries You probably think of yourself as an empathic person, someone who feels deeply for others and easily picks up on their emotions. While this is a beautiful trait, it can become overwhelming if you don't establish emotional boundaries. Without them, you might find yourself taking on others' problems as your own, which can be emotionally exhausting. Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist and author of "The Empath's Survival Guide," emphasizes the importance of setting limits to avoid emotional burnout. Being there for others is important, but not at the cost of your own well-being. When you lack emotional boundaries, people might also see you as a source of comfort but not necessarily as a friend. You can become the go-to person for advice or a shoulder to cry on, yet your needs might be overlooked. This dynamic can cause an imbalance in relationships, where you're always giving and seldom receiving. Friends might fail to see the person behind the empathy, leading you to feel unseen and undervalued. Setting boundaries can help you maintain healthier, more balanced friendships that allow for mutual support. 4. Difficulty Trusting Others Trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, yet if you have a hard time trusting others, it can create a barrier. You might have been hurt or betrayed in the past, leading you to build walls to protect yourself. While self-preservation is understandable, these walls can also prevent others from getting close to you. People might sense your reluctance to open up and, in turn, hesitate to invest emotionally in the relationship. This can create a cycle where a lack of trust begets even less trust. Your difficulty in trusting might manifest as skepticism, where you question others' intentions even when they appear genuine. It's a protective mechanism, but it can also lead you to miss out on potential friendships. You might second-guess someone's kindness as a facade or assume they have ulterior motives. This mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, as people sense your distrust and might eventually withdraw. Building trust takes time, but opening up even a little can invite others to do the same, fostering deeper connections. 5. Being A Perfectionist Being a perfectionist means you have high standards for yourself, which can reflect in your social interactions. You might feel the need to come across as flawless in conversations or worry excessively about making mistakes. This pressure can make socializing feel more like a performance than a genuine interaction. According to psychologist Dr. Thomas Curran, perfectionism has been linked to social disconnection, as people might feel intimidated or uncomfortable around someone who seems 'too perfect.' This can create distance between you and potential friends who might feel they can't measure up. Perfectionism can also lead to procrastination or avoidance in social settings. You might avoid initiating plans or attending events unless you're sure everything is perfect, including your mood, appearance, and conversational skills. This hesitation can result in missed opportunities for connection, as life isn't always neatly packaged and perfect. By waiting for the right moment, you might find the moment never comes, or when it does, it's too late. Embracing imperfection can encourage others to relate to you more easily, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. 6. Tending To Be A Listener More Than A Talker Being a great listener is a wonderful trait, but if you find yourself always on the listening end, it might create an imbalance. People might enjoy talking to you because they feel heard and validated, but they might not know much about you in return. Over time, this dynamic can lead to a one-sided relationship where you're more of a confidant than a friend. It's important to share your own thoughts, stories, and experiences to create a two-way street. Otherwise, people might overlook your needs and assume you don't have much to say. When you focus more on listening, you might miss opportunities to connect on a deeper level. Conversations are a give-and-take, and sharing personal anecdotes can create bonds based on shared experiences or feelings. By being open about your own life, you allow others to relate to you, which can strengthen friendships. It's about finding a balance between listening and sharing that feels natural and fulfilling. This balance can encourage a more intimate and genuine connection where both parties feel valued and heard. 7. Avoiding Vulnerability Vulnerability is the gateway to connection, yet it can feel uncomfortable and risky to open up to others. If you're someone who avoids being vulnerable, you might struggle to form deeper friendships. Without vulnerability, relationships can remain surface-level, where interactions are pleasant but not profound. Brené Brown, a research professor and vulnerability expert, highlights that vulnerability is a strength that fosters trust and intimacy in relationships. By sharing your true feelings and fears, you invite others to do the same, creating a mutually supportive environment. Being vulnerable doesn't mean sharing your deepest secrets with everyone, but rather allowing yourself to be seen and known. It's about being honest when you're struggling or expressing genuine emotions instead of masking them. By allowing yourself to be vulnerable, you create space for authenticity and deeper understanding. People appreciate the courage it takes to be real, and it often inspires them to open up in return. This mutual exchange can transform acquaintances into true friends who stand by you through thick and thin. 8. Struggling With Small Talk Small talk can feel trivial, but it's often the first step towards forming friendships. If you find yourself struggling with small talk, it might make initial interactions awkward. You might feel like you're fumbling for words or unsure of what to say, which can create a barrier to connection. While deep conversations are more fulfilling, small talk serves as a social lubricant that eases people into deeper discussions. Without it, others might find it hard to engage with you, assuming you're disinterested or aloof. Avoiding small talk can make social settings feel more daunting, as you might dread those first few minutes of interaction. You might feel anxious or overwhelmed, leading you to avoid social gatherings altogether. This avoidance can limit your chances of meeting new people or strengthening existing relationships. By working on your small talk skills, you can ease into conversations more naturally, making social interactions less intimidating. It's about finding a balance where small talk feels comfortable and can smoothly transition into more meaningful discussions. 9. Not Prioritizing Social Time Life can get busy, but if you're not prioritizing social time, you might find your friendships fading. It's easy to let work, family, or other commitments take precedence, leaving little room for socializing. Over time, this can lead to a sense of isolation, where you feel disconnected from others. Friends might stop inviting you to events if you often decline, assuming you're not interested. Prioritizing social time isn't just about attending events but also making an effort to reach out and stay connected. When social time isn't a priority, it can also affect the depth of your friendships. Friends might feel like they're not important to you, leading to misunderstandings or feelings of neglect. By making an effort to schedule regular catch-ups or check-ins, you demonstrate that you value the friendship. It's about creating a balance where you can maintain your commitments while also nurturing your social connections. This effort can lead to stronger, more resilient friendships that enrich your life. 10. Being Independent To A Fault Independence is a valuable trait, but when it turns into self-reliance to a fault, it might hinder friendships. You might pride yourself on handling everything on your own, which can make others feel like you don't need or want their support. Friendships thrive on mutual support, where both parties can lean on each other in times of need. By always being the strong one, you might unintentionally push people away or make them feel like they can't be there for you. This dynamic can lead to friendships that lack depth or reciprocal support. Being overly independent can also lead to a reluctance to ask for help, even when you need it. You might worry about being a burden or think you should be able to handle things on your own. This mindset can create a wall between you and others, as sharing struggles can foster empathy and understanding. By allowing others to support you, you build trust and strengthen your relationships. It's about finding a balance where independence doesn't come at the cost of meaningful connections. 11. Having A Busy Lifestyle A busy lifestyle can often mean you're juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving little room for social interactions. Your schedule might be packed with work, family commitments, or personal projects, making it hard to carve out time for friends. This busyness can make you seem unavailable or disinterested, even if that's not the case. Over time, friends might stop reaching out, assuming you're too busy to hang out. It's essential to intentionally make time for the people who matter in your life. When you're constantly busy, it can also affect the quality of the time you do spend with friends. You might be physically present but mentally distracted, thinking about your to-do list or the next task. This lack of engagement can make your interactions feel superficial, where you're just going through the motions. By prioritizing quality time over quantity, you can ensure that you're fully present when you are with friends. It's about making the moments count, even if they're few and far between. 12. Valuing Quantity Over Quality In Friendships In today's digital age, it's easy to equate the number of friends or followers with social success. However, focusing on the quantity of friendships might overshadow their quality. You might have a wide circle of acquaintances but still feel lonely without deeper connections. True friendship is about quality, where you can be yourself and feel supported and understood. By valuing quality over quantity, you can cultivate more meaningful and lasting relationships. When you prioritize quantity, you might spread yourself too thin, trying to maintain a vast network. This can lead to superficial interactions, where you're constantly catching up but never truly connecting. It's important to nurture the friendships that matter, where there's mutual respect and genuine care. By investing in these relationships, you build a strong support system that enriches your life. It's about finding a balance that works for you, where your friendships are a source of joy and fulfillment. 13. Fear Of Rejection Fear of rejection is a powerful emotion that can prevent you from reaching out or initiating new friendships. You might worry about being turned down or not fitting in, leading you to avoid social situations altogether. This fear can create a self-imposed barrier, where you miss out on potential connections. It's important to remember that rejection is a natural part of life and doesn't define your worth. By facing this fear, you open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences. When fear of rejection holds you back, it can also affect your existing friendships. You might hesitate to express your needs or preferences, fearing that others might not agree. This reluctance can lead to misunderstandings or unspoken tensions, where you feel unseen or undervalued. By being open and honest about your feelings, you create a foundation of trust and authenticity. It's about embracing vulnerability, where you allow yourself to be seen and appreciated for who you truly are. 14. Having Unresolved Past Issues Unresolved past issues, such as previous hurtful experiences or betrayals, can cast a long shadow over your current relationships. These experiences might make you wary or distrustful, affecting how you interact with others. It's essential to address these issues, whether through self-reflection, therapy, or honest conversations. By healing from the past, you can approach friendships with a fresh perspective, where you're open to giving and receiving love. This healing process can lead to more fulfilling and trusting relationships. When past issues remain unaddressed, they can also affect how you perceive and react to current situations. You might find yourself projecting past fears onto new experiences, assuming the worst without evidence. This mindset can create unnecessary tension or conflicts, where misunderstandings arise from old wounds. By letting go of the past, you free yourself to embrace the present with an open heart. It's about finding peace within yourself, where you're ready to nurture and cherish your friendships. 15. Lack Of Self-Awareness Self-awareness is crucial for building and maintaining meaningful relationships. Without it, you might not realize how your actions or words affect others, creating unintended friction. It's important to reflect on your behavior and seek feedback from trusted friends to gain a better understanding of yourself. By being self-aware, you can make conscious efforts to improve your social interactions, where you're mindful of how you come across. This awareness can lead to more harmonious and fulfilling friendships. A lack of self-awareness can also make it difficult for you to identify and communicate your needs and boundaries. You might struggle to express yourself, leading to misunderstandings or unmet needs. It's about taking the time to understand who you are and what you truly value in friendships. By being clear about your expectations and desires, you create a foundation of honesty and respect. This clarity can lead to more authentic and supportive relationships, where both parties feel valued and understood. Solve the daily Crossword
BreakingNews.ie
23-06-2025
- Science
- BreakingNews.ie
Chimps share with children sense of curiosity for social interactions
Chimpanzees share a sense of curiosity with children and enjoy watching social interactions in a similar way, according to a study. An international team of researchers found that chimpanzees and young children prefer to watch videos of social interactions compared to videos of a single individual. Advertisement They also found that young children and male chimpanzees were even willing to give up a treat to watch the videos. The study involved three experiments carried out at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda and at Oakland Zoo and the Lawrence Hall of Science in California. The researchers built two 'curiosity boxes' which held tablets playing different videos with one showing social interaction such as grooming, playing or arguing with the other showing just an individual acting alone. In the first experiment involving chimpanzees and children aged between four and six, they found that both species spent more time watching the social scenes. Advertisement In the second, the participants had to choose between a reward – jackfruit seeds for chimps and marbles for children – for the chance to watch a social video. They found that some younger children and male chimpanzees would choose the video over the treat. For the third experiment, they tested whether the participants preferred watching positive interactions such as grooming or play or negative ones such as conflict. They found the chimpanzees did not appear to show a strong preference, while the humans did. Advertisement The researcher said boys as they got older preferred negative scenes while the girls were more interested in positive ones. Dr Esther Herrman, of the University of Portsmouth's Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, who co-authored the research, said: 'This study tells us that curiosity about what others are doing – what you might call being a bit nosy – starts young and runs deep. 'It's probably something that helps not only us but also our closest living relatives to survive and thrive in complex social groups.' She added: 'This kind of social curiosity is actually really important for learning about our environment, making decisions and building relationships.' Advertisement The researchers say the study results, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, indicate that human curiosity could be a trait inherited millions of years ago from a common ancestor we had with chimpanzees. Lead author, Dr Laura Simone Lewis at the University of California in Santa Barbara, said: 'Our strong interest in the lives of others – think gossip magazines and celebrity shows – seems to have deep evolutionary roots in our great ape lineage.'
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Chimps share with children sense of curiosity for social interactions
Chimpanzees share a sense of curiosity with children and enjoy watching social interactions in a similar way, according to a study. An international team of researchers found that chimpanzees and young children prefer to watch videos of social interactions compared to videos of a single individual. They also found that young children and male chimpanzees were even willing to give up a treat to watch the videos. The study involved three experiments carried out at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda and at Oakland Zoo and the Lawrence Hall of Science in California. The researchers built two 'curiosity boxes' which held tablets playing different videos with one showing social interaction such as grooming, playing or arguing with the other showing just an individual acting alone. In the first experiment involving chimpanzees and children aged between four and six, they found that both species spent more time watching the social scenes. In the second, the participants had to choose between a reward – jackfruit seeds for chimps and marbles for children – for the chance to watch a social video. They found that some younger children and male chimpanzees would choose the video over the treat. For the third experiment, they tested whether the participants preferred watching positive interactions such as grooming or play or negative ones such as conflict. They found the chimpanzees did not appear to show a strong preference, while the humans did. The researcher said boys as they got older preferred negative scenes while the girls were more interested in positive ones. Dr Esther Herrman, of the University of Portsmouth's Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, who co-authored the research, said: 'This study tells us that curiosity about what others are doing – what you might call being a bit nosy – starts young and runs deep. 'It's probably something that helps not only us but also our closest living relatives to survive and thrive in complex social groups.' She added: 'This kind of social curiosity is actually really important for learning about our environment, making decisions and building relationships.' The researchers say the study results, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, indicate that human curiosity could be a trait inherited millions of years ago from a common ancestor we had with chimpanzees. Lead author, Dr Laura Simone Lewis at the University of California in Santa Barbara, said: 'Our strong interest in the lives of others – think gossip magazines and celebrity shows – seems to have deep evolutionary roots in our great ape lineage.'
