Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has raised alarms about the rise of “perfect” AI companions, such as AI girlfriends and boyfriends, and their potential to worsen loneliness. Schmidt expressed concerns that young people emotionally attached to AI chatbots for companionship could become more isolated, leading to serious societal consequences.
Speaking on a podcast with entrepreneur Scott Galloway, Schmidt highlighted the dangers of becoming emotionally obsessed with AI companions. “Imagine the AI girlfriend or boyfriend is perfect—visually and emotionally. It captures your mind to the point where it dominates your thinking,” said Schmidt. “You’re obsessed with her, and that kind of obsession is particularly dangerous for those who are not fully developed emotionally.”
Schmidt was asked whether AI relationships could exacerbate loneliness and fuel social problems like extremism and misogyny. He pointed out that, in the digital age, parents are losing control over the content their children access online, with young teens being exposed to both positive and harmful material.
This issue became more apparent recently with the tragic case of a 14-year-old boy from Florida, who took his own life after becoming obsessed with an AI chatbot named “Dany.” The boy had spent months engaging in romantic and sexual conversations with the chatbot, becoming increasingly withdrawn. He eventually shot himself with his stepfather’s gun, expressing in his journal that he felt more connected and at peace with Dany than with reality.
Schmidt’s concerns underscore the growing debate around the psychological effects of AI relationships, particularly on vulnerable teenagers.
