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

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
DOJ prosecutors resign in protest over handling of ICE shooting investigation
News Wrap: Inflation mostly steady in December as prices rose 2.7% over previous year
January 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
'It's the whole system': Survivors of alleged abuse by Army doctor demand accountability
How Denmark views Trump's threats to take over Greenland
Iran protesters face ruthless crackdown as Trump says help 'on its way'
A look at the legal and political fight over trans athletes as cases reach Supreme Court
Trump's intimidation of Fed's leadership threatens economic stability, Yellen says
Ex-prosecutor on DOJ’s Powell probe and Trump’s targeting of opponents
News Wrap: Minnesota sues feds to stop immigration enforcement surge