19 - 22 Oct 2025 | Las Vegas

Authentic Connections, Artificial World

About this Session:

Approximately one in five U.S. adults experiences loneliness frequently. Loneliness is growing in prevalence and having pernicious impacts on our health. AI companions have popped up to help fill this emotional void and innate need for connection in millions of aging Americans' lives. These digital confidants are becoming surprisingly sophisticated therapists, offering memory support, medication nudges, and something resembling genuine emotional engagement. But can code truly replicate the warmth of human connection? Though the metrics are promising, what are the long-term impacts of forming deep bonds with machines? As families weigh monthly subscription fees against round-the-clock companionship, the benefit just may outweigh any perceived future risk. As loneliness climbs the ranks of public health epidemics, social connection may just be the next area transformed by AI and emerging technology.