Can generative artificial intelligence foster belongingness, social support, and reduce loneliness? A conceptual analysis

Innovative strategies to promote social support and a sense of belonging are needed urgently as one in three adults worldwide experience loneliness. This Chapter explores the prospect of generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in social support interventions to improve an individual's sense of belonging, social support, and reduce loneliness. This Chapter reviews the prominent areas that AI chatbots are currently being implemented and their outcomes. It compares AI chatbots designed for social companionship with those designed for assistance such as ChatGPT and Bard. It investigates individuals who are more vulnerable and susceptible to using AI chatbots and the possible positive outcomes and negative effects to autonomy. Ethical considerations and limitations of the integration of AI chatbots being employed into today’s society are debated especially in terms of loneliness. Together, the arguments in this Chapter propose the benefits of using AI chatbots as an assistive tool to improve overall well-being by managing time, advising, offering suggestions, and collaborating with the user to indirectly promote a sense of belonging and lessen feelings of loneliness.