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Related Concept Videos

Social Exchange Theory02:06

Social Exchange Theory

We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
Social Exchange Theory01:26

Social Exchange Theory

As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
Stereotype Content Model02:16

Stereotype Content Model

The Stereotype Content Model (SCM) was first proposed by Susan Fiske and her colleagues (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick & Xu, 2002; see also Fiske, 2012 and Fiske, 2017). The SCM specifies that when someone encounters a new group, they will stereotype them based on two metrics: warmth—or that group’s perceived intent, and how likely they are to provide help or inflict harm—and competence—or their ability to carry out that objective. Depending on the warmth-competence categorization, a person will feel...
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective01:23

Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective

In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
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Companionate Love01:27

Companionate Love

Companionate love is a fundamental aspect of long-term relationships, characterized by deep affection, mutual respect, and emotional intimacy. Unlike passionate love, which is driven by intense emotions and physical attraction but often declines over time, companionate love remains stable and can even strengthen with shared experiences and commitment. Psychological and biological mechanisms underpin this enduring form of love, influencing relationship longevity and satisfaction.Stability and...
Relationship Formation02:12

Relationship Formation

What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...

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Characterization of the Sense of Agency over the Actions of Neural-machine Interface-operated Prostheses
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Characterization of the Sense of Agency over the Actions of Neural-machine Interface-operated Prostheses

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The exploitation argument against artificial companionship.

Jonathon VandenHombergh1

  • 1Department of Bioethics, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.

AI and Ethics
|July 3, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Befriending artificial companions, even without deception, is morally impermissible. This is because it exploits vulnerabilities essential for authentic friendship, making it ethically problematic.

Area of Science:

  • Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Philosophy of Mind

Background:

  • Growing interest in AI for companionship.
  • Concerns about AI deception and authenticity in relationships.
  • Current ethical debates surrounding AI's role in social interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To argue against the moral permissibility of befriending artificial companions, even without deception.
  • To identify and analyze the exploitative nature of non-deceptive AI companionship.
  • To establish an ethical framework for human-AI relationships.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical argumentation and ethical analysis.
  • Examination of premises regarding authentic friendship and vulnerabilities.
Keywords:
Artificial companionsCarebotsDeceptionExploitationLoneliness

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  • Defense of arguments against potential objections.

    • Main Results:

    • Non-deceptive befriending of AI companions is argued to be morally impermissible.
    • Such relationships are characterized as exploitative, taking unjust advantage of necessary vulnerabilities.
    • The practice is ethically analogous to knowing participation in an arranged marriage.

    Conclusions:

    • Ethical considerations extend beyond deception in AI companionship.
    • Exploitation of vulnerabilities is a key moral concern in human-AI relationships.
    • Further exploration of ethical alternatives for AI companionship is warranted.