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This review examines the ethical implications, dangers, and benefits of AI in providing companionship and support.

January 14, 2026Premier Journal of Artificial Intelligence2 citationsOpen Access

From Counsel to Code: Implications of AI Dependency for Authentic Human Bonds – A Systematic Review

Key Points

This review examines the ethical implications, dangers, and benefits of AI in providing companionship and support.
Conducted a scoping review of literature from 2015 to 2025 in psychology, sociology, and ethics.
Evaluated studies from sources including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
Analyzed policy reports, gray literature, and various types of records including practice guidelines and empirical research.
AI can enhance therapeutic resources and reduce loneliness, particularly for marginalized groups.
Challenges include the commodification of intimacy and risk of diminished human relationships.
Socioeconomic and generational differences affect how AI companionship is experienced, revealing further disparities.

Abstract

BACKGROUND With rapid expansion from functional application, artificial intelligence has entered relationship arenas that have historically been designated for human companionship and advice. Millions of people today receive ongoing emotional support from mental health chatbots and AI companions, which enable accessibility and stigma-free connection in situations where traditional counselling might not be available. OBJECTIVE This scoping review examines the ethical implications, hazards, and advantages of AI as a companion, confidant, and a counselor while taking cultural and generational setting into consideration. METHODS This scoping review was carried out on the literature in the fields of psychology, sociology, ethics, and human AI interaction from 2015 to 2025. In addition to searches in PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, Policy reports and gray literature were evaluated. Practice guidelines that were frequently cited, conceptual analyses, and empirical research were among the records that qualified. FINDINGS AI systems have the potential to improve therapeutic resources, democratize care, and lessen loneliness, especially for marginalized groups. Risks include commodification of intimacy, deterioration of genuine human ties, and over-reliance. Additionally, disparities arise, influenced by socioeconomic divisions, generational variations, and cultural norms. There are also gaps in longitudinal evaluation, cross-cultural research, and multidisciplinary integration despite growing scholarly interest. IMPLICATIONS The future of AI companionship depends on its ability to enhance human connection rather than replace it. Ethical integration necessitates research agendas that address long-term psychological and societal implications, design methodologies that incorporate authenticity and oversight and privacy and equitable safeguards. AI companionship can increase access to advice while maintaining the genuineness and tenacity of human ties with these safeguards.

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