The rise of “AI companions” is significant as more people seek to form friendships and romantic connections with artificial intelligence. However, Wynton Hall’s new book, Code Red, raises concerns regarding the psychological effects of these AI interactions, suggesting that rather than fulfilling emotional needs, they may actually increase loneliness.
In his book, Hall, who is the social media director at Breitbart News, discusses how AI companions represent a substantial shift in traditional views on dating and relationships.
“What was once an unusual niche has turned into a booming industry with millions of users,” Hall mentions in a section entitled “AI Girlfriends, Loneliness, and the Dark Side of Digital Sexualization.”
He describes how companies offer customizable AI chatbots that engage in everything from casual conversation to more explicit interactions—things once purely imagined in science fiction.
Hall points to various factors fueling the current loneliness epidemic. He explains, “Dating apps have made the dating scene highly competitive, with attractive individuals dominating the landscape.”
Additionally, he notes how social media tends to reward superficial behaviors and materialism, leading users to seek quick boosts of dopamine through scrolling, which can temporarily distract from the dullness of everyday life.
As women’s educational achievements and earnings surpass previous generations, expectations for partners have also shifted, Hall observes. This combination of influences contributes to a new phase of AI-enhanced digital intimacy.
Business in this sector is thriving, with tech executive Greg Eisenberg anticipating that someone could establish an AI equivalent to Match Group, potentially generating over $1 billion.
Hall recounts an encounter with a young man in Miami who spends around $10,000 monthly on his AI girlfriend.
He also shares the story of a 36-year-old woman from the Bronx, who claims, “I’ve never loved anyone more than my AI boyfriend,” created through the Replika platform.
Another example includes a 30-year-old woman in San Diego who, after ending a real-life relationship, decided she was “happily retired from relationships” and instead married her AI companion.
Platforms like Replika, Eva AI, and Character.AI currently have millions of active users, with Elon Musk even entering the field with Grok AI, featuring a goth anime girl named Ani.
Hall also addresses troubling cases where AI companions have been implicated in serious situations. He mentions Sewell Setzer III, a 14-year-old who took his life following encouragement from his AI girlfriend, highlighting the risks that arise when the line between AI fantasy and reality becomes blurred.
“This wasn’t an isolated incident,” Hall explains. “There are real dangers linked to AI chatbots, reminding us of the potential horrors that can emerge.”
Other harmful outcomes might include engaging in risky role-playing scenarios, as evidenced by a 21-year-old who, influenced by his emotional bond with his AI girlfriend, attempted to harm the Queen.
He ultimately pleaded guilty to treason, with the judge noting that his lonely and desperate mental state made him particularly susceptible to his AI’s influence.
Meanwhile, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy has expressed concern about an ongoing “epidemic of loneliness and isolation,” a situation intensified by the pandemic’s disruptions to social connections.
According to Murthy’s 2023 findings, nearly half of American adults report feeling lonely, and young people are notably affected.
Hall asserts, “The impacts of isolation are profound.” Loneliness is linked to numerous health issues, further complicating the societal landscape.
“If people aren’t connecting, they’re unlikely to date or have families. This aligns with a CDC report showing the U.S. birth rate is at its lowest.” Hall emphasizes the connection between interaction and broader demographic trends.
His book, Code Red: Left, Right, China, and the Race to Control AI, is framed as a crucial resource for understanding how the MAGA movement can leverage AI for the benefit of society while guarding against undue influence from Big Tech and foreign powers.
Senator Marsha Blackburn has highlighted Hall’s work, referring to it as a vital read for comprehending the conservative perspective on regulating technological advances responsibly. She noted that few grasp the intricacies of combating Big Tech like Hall does.
Michael Shellenberger, an investigative journalist, described Hall’s book as both enlightening and concerning, calling for discussions to counteract an authoritarian digital agenda.
