Debate: Is AI companionship healthy?

My take: AI companionship is a net good on this world despite it's potential to contribute to systematic loneliness. Here's why:

**Pros:**

\- access to companionship for those with limited options (think confined elderly)

\- is a conduit for those with taboo fetishes

\- helps to develop communication and relationship skills (especially if the bot doesn't let the user set unrealistic expectations)

\- promotes exploration of oneself

\- helps geographically isolated people (i.e. rural areas)

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**Cons:**

\- emotional dependency …

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