© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PBS News Hour

Critics doubt developers claiming AI can combat loneliness

Season 2024 Episode 206 | 9m 58s

There have been amazing advances in artificial intelligence with software and robots that listen and respond to human conversation with a kind of realism rarely seen before. That's both exciting and disturbing to experts about what it can mean for connection and loneliness. Paul Solman tried making some connections of his own.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
January 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
January 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E20 | 57:46
Watch • 8:00
PBS News Hour
Families say children held by ICE face unsanitary conditions
Migrant families allege children held by ICE face unsafe and unsanitary conditions
Clip: S2026 E20 | 8:00
Watch • 5:55
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Federal prosecutors subpoena Minnesota officials
News Wrap: Federal prosecutors subpoena Minnesota officials
Clip: S2026 E20 | 5:55
Watch • 11:10
PBS News Hour
Trump's Greenland threats rattle NATO allies
'Something's going to happen,' Trump says as Greenland threats rattle NATO allies
Clip: S2026 E20 | 11:10
Watch • 4:35
PBS News Hour
Gaza families dig through rubble for loved ones’ remains
Gaza families dig through rubble searching for loved ones’ remains
Clip: S2026 E20 | 4:35
Watch • 6:42
PBS News Hour
Supreme Court weighs private property gun restrictions
Supreme Court weighs private property gun restrictions in major case
Clip: S2026 E20 | 6:42
Watch • 8:58
PBS News Hour
Conservative legal scholar discusses Trump's first year
Conservative legal scholar on constitutionality of Trump's first year
Clip: S2026 E20 | 8:58
Watch • 7:08
PBS News Hour
Book explores admissions scandal that exposed inequalities
'Miracle Children' explores admissions scandal that exposed inequalities in education
Clip: S2026 E20 | 7:08
Watch • 6:51
PBS News Hour
Congress divided over how much authority to cede to Trump
As Trump expands presidential power, Congress divided over how much authority to cede
Clip: S2026 E19 | 6:51
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
January 19, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
January 19, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E19 | 57:46