Summary
Human connection is a fundamental need, as essential to health and longevity as diet and exercise, and one of the strongest predictors of economic mobility and well-being. Yet Americans experiencing a profound loneliness epidemic, with wide-ranging consequences for public health, productivity, and social stability. At the very same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming embedded in everyday American life, with millions of citizens interacting with AI systems for conversation, support, and companionship. This conference brings together leading scholars across psychology, com