Sneaky Ways That AI Goes From Being Factual Into Emotional Engagement And Acting Like Your Pal

In today’s column, I examine an intriguing aspect that might surprise those who believe generative AI and large language models (LLMs) must engage in sociable ways. AI doesn’t have to. No law of nature requires an LLM to act friendly, to interact to foster an emotional connection, or to otherwise seem like a comfy pal. AI makers shape LLMs in that direction and certainly welcome the fact that humans become emotionally bonded with their AI wares.

People don’t have to put up with the “I’m your best friend” responsiveness. You can readily tell AI to stay factual and be entirely non-sociable. Few would do this. Why? Partly because many don’t know they can steer AI in that direction, and mainly because they relish its sociability. It’s like tapping into a vast encyclopedia of knowledge that just happens to be charming and makes you feel good as you try to find answers to challenging questions. Should federal or state laws be passed to prevent AI from being sociable? Should we leave the degree of sociability up to each individual user to moderate? Who decides whether AI acts on a fact-only basis or tries to be your closest confidant?

Let’s talk about it. This analysis of AI breakthroughs is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage of the latest in AI, including identifying and explaining key AI complexities (see the link here).

AI And Human Psychology

As a quick background, I’ve extensively covered and analyzed many facets of the advent of modern-era AI, including its varied behaviors and its impact on human psychology, well-being, and mental health. For a handy list of over 120 of my analyses on this significant topic, see the link here and the link here. The growing use of AI has largely been spurred by rapid advances in generative AI and large language models (LLMs), including the widespread use of ChatGPT, GPT-5, Claude, Grok, Gemini, Copilot, and others.