2024 Volume 31 Issue 3 Pages 474-480
The recent development of large-scale language models and computer graphics technology and hardware has been expanding expectations regarding the widespread use of interactive agents such as artificial intelligence programs and robots capable of communicating with humans in daily life. As partners in daily life, these agents could produce novel value while providing several types of services in public spaces, including homes, schools, restaurants, and transportation systems. On the other hand, some people risk becoming addicted to these interactive agents due to the increase seen in the number of people having social anxiety and becoming addicted to Internet gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by the inherent danger of interactive agents used in the context of mental counseling. This paper considers such a possibility from the perspective of existing psychological and sociological studies and discusses its implications.
