The answer, say UNSW researchers, is a resounding yes, with their digital companions set to play a key role.
Loneliness has been described as a modern-day epidemic in Australia: a 2023 report, for example, found loneliness doubled someone’s risk of chronic disease, and was estimated to cost Australia’s health system $2.7 billion annually. And the NSW government is currently holding an enquiry looking at how to address the problem of loneliness.
AI characters Richard, Lou, Viv, Sophie, Harry and Willow hope to be one part of the solution. At first glance you might question what they had to offer, but those who work with them attest to the patience, empathy, knowledge and friendly encouragement they all share – attributes that make them ideal support for people going through a challenge like loneliness.
These characters have been created by a team of researchers at UNSW, who are harnessing developments in AI to design ‘digital companions’ to support Australians facing a variety of psychosocial challenges, from dementia and ageing, eating disorders and depression, to mental health diagnoses and, of course, loneliness.
