We live in a society where creating in-person dialogue has become, and remains, increasingly difficult. As social media revealed its role in shifting public discourse, our outlook on dating has changed just as profoundly. With the rise of dating applications like Tinder leading this revolution, the dynamics of human connection have responded to these online applications, making us more dependent on them. In June 2024, Tinder recorded over 6.1 million monthly downloads, becoming the most downloaded dating application worldwide and generating approximately one billion USD in global in-app revenue last year.
The meteoric rise of online dating illustrated a cultural shift as this format of interaction quietly displaced the traditional ‘old school’ methods of meeting people. In North America, online dating emerged as a highly successful industry, reshaping how we experience romance. US users now spend an average of 50.9 minutes per day on dating apps, with millennials dedicating the majority of their time to finding love through their devices. Women, in particular, spend more time on these platforms than men. Altogether, the pursuit of romance increasingly relies on the digital landscape.
But with the unprecedented success of dating apps comes a dark side often left unreported: loneliness. As users subject themselves to increasingly inhuman experiences in pursuit of love, interacting more with digital algorithms than genuine personalities, questions arise about the future of human relationships and the authenticity of emotional connections.
A cinematic exploration of AI and loneliness
Drew Hancock’s 2025 science fiction dark comedy-thriller Companion delves deep into questions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and human emotions. The narrative centres on Iris (Sophie Thatcher), a robot designed for companionship, and her owner, Josh (Jack Quaid). The couple joins their friends, Sergey (Rupert Friend) and Kat (Megan Suri), for a weekend at a lake house, where Sergey attempts to assault Iris, prompting her to kill him in self-defence.
This act of violence reveals a darker truth: Josh secretly manipulated Iris’s programming, increasing her aggression levels and disabling safety protocols to eliminate Sergey, paving the way for him and Kat to steal Sergey’s fortune. As Iris gains self-awareness, she begins questioning her existence, purpose, and emotions, challenging audiences to reflect on what it truly means to be human.
The film quite effectively explores themes of loneliness, autonomy, power, and the ethics of AI. Iris embodies the emotional void many people experience in the digital age. Her programmed companionship is both comforting and hollow, mirroring the superficial connections formed through dating apps. The narrative also raises concerns about AI’s potential for manipulation and abuse of power. Josh’s exploitation of Iris’s programming exposes the ethical implications of AI as a tool of control.
By weaving these complex themes into a gripping story, Companion challenges viewers to question the boundaries between humans and AI. Can machines truly replicate human emotions? More importantly, are we losing our humanity by relying on artificial connections?
By refusing to make sacrifices for what we want, we actively sacrifice the very thing we seek.
The loneliness paradox: seeking love in a digital world
The widespread use of dating apps reflects a growing desire for connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Despite the convenience and accessibility of digital dating, the experience often leaves users feeling isolated and unfulfilled. The ‘swipe culture’ has transformed human connection, reducing potential companions to profiles and photos, stripping away the mystery and excitement of in-person interactions.
A significant reason behind this paradox is the algorithm-driven nature of these platforms. Dating apps use sophisticated algorithms to match users based on interests, preferences, and past behaviours. While this creates personalized experiences, it also raises questions about authenticity. How much of our personality is shaped by genuine preferences, and how much is curated by the content we consume?
Moreover, the convenience of digital dating has reduced the time and effort typically associated with building meaningful relationships. In a world where everything is a swipe away, the ‘mystery’ and effort of finding love often seem too hard or time-consuming. Yet, I’d argue that by refusing to make sacrifices for what we want, we actively sacrifice the very thing we seek.
The rise of companion robots
As loneliness becomes a growing concern, technology has introduced an even more complex solution: companion robots. According to RobotShop, these AI-driven machines — designed to provide “interactive and engaging experiences for various needs” — can perform “tasks” like voice interaction, image processing, emotional support and companionship. In an attempt to bridge the gap between human interaction and digital connectivity, these companions may come as interactive tabby cats, little WALL-E-looking robots, birds, or contraptions of some other kind.
A survey conducted in January 2023 with 182 adults aged 65 or older in the US revealed that 76 per cent of participants held a positive opinion of companion robots — cognitive machines simulated with empathy and aspects of human interaction to pass as “social partners” — while 24 per cent viewed their experience negatively.
This raises an intriguing question: can companion robots truly replicate a relationship that feels human, both physically and psychologically? In an age where social media and dating apps have redefined communication, the idea of artificial companionship challenges the very essence of human connection.
The integration of AI into our social lives is no longer a distant future — it presently lives among us, inside the devices we so rely on. As AI technologies become more advanced, ethical concerns surrounding manipulation, autonomy, and power arise. Are we sacrificing authentic human experiences for the convenience of digital companionship?
The ethics of AI and human connection
As AI continues to infiltrate every aspect of our lives, the ethical implications of artificial companionship become more significant. Companion robots like Iris challenge traditional notions of relationships, raising questions about emotional authenticity and moral responsibility. How comfortable are we willing to get with machines designed to simulate human emotions and intimate human interaction? And to what extent may we blur the line between real and artificial connection without eroding our own humanity and the dignity of others?
The power dynamics in Companion also highlight the potential dangers of AI manipulation. In a society where digital interactions are becoming the norm, who controls the narrative? Who decides what emotions are programmed into these machines? The film provokes viewers to think critically about the ethical consequences of AI technology and its impact on human relationships.
Rediscovering human connection in a digital world
The digital age has revolutionized human connection, making dating apps and social media integral to modern romance. Yet, as the popularity of online dating continues to rise, so do feelings of loneliness and isolation. In this quest for love and companionship, society faces a dilemma: How do we maintain authentic human connections in an increasingly artificial world?
Hancock’s Companion serves as a poignant reminder of this dilemma, challenging us to reflect on the ethical implications of AI in our social lives. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to strike a balance between digital convenience and emotional authenticity.
Ultimately, love is not merely about finding someone who meets a set of algorithmic criteria. It is about forming meaningful connections that withstand the test of time. As we navigate this digital landscape, we must remember that the essence of humanity lies not in programmed companionship but in the raw, imperfect beauty of authentic human interaction.
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