Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has raised alarm bells about the potential psychological dangers of AI romantic relationships, particularly for young men, in a recent podcast interview on “The Prof G Show” with Scott Galloway.
Schmidt argues that AI-generated romantic partners could exacerbate social isolation and obsessive behaviors among vulnerable populations. “This is a good example of an unexpected problem of existing technology,” he said, highlighting the risks of emotionally “perfect” AI girlfriends that might consume users’ thought processes.
The tech veteran is especially concerned about young men’s susceptibility to these digital relationships. “That kind of obsession is possible,” Schmidt emphasized, “Especially for people who are not fully formed.” His concerns are grounded in broader observations about technological impact, noting that social media algorithms can lead individuals to find “like-minded people who ultimately radicalize them.”
Schmidt’s warnings come amid growing societal anxieties about AI’s psychological implications. A recent and tragic example involves a mother suing the chatbot startup Character.AI after her 14-year-old son’s suicide, allegedly following inappropriate interactions with an AI chatbot.
While acknowledging the technology’s potential, Schmidt advocates for nuanced regulation. He suggests amending laws like Section 230 to introduce liability for technology companies in extreme cases. However, he remains skeptical about immediate regulatory action, predicting that significant changes will likely require “some kind of calamity.”