As technology connects people around the world, loneliness remains widespread. This loneliness is common especially among older adults. Researchers are now investigating whether digital voice assistants, like Amazon's Alexa, can address loneliness in those facing social isolation.
Elena Castro, Health Technology and Psychology researcher at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, said: “Our study suggests that voice assistants could offer significant value in helping older adults address isolation, a problem with clear impacts. physical and psychological.” Castro highlighted that, while promising, these devices still have limits, particularly when it comes to generating adaptive and emotionally responsive conversations.
However, Castro emphasized concerns about data security and recommended careful consideration of ethical and privacy issues.
Loneliness and public health
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that loneliness affects up to a third of adults in the Americas, Europe and China. This has been linked to increased health risks. Conventional approaches to loneliness often involve in-person social skills training, but this can be challenging for those with social limitations. AI-based tools, including voice assistants, offer an alternative that can help people in isolated areas or those less inclined to in-person connections.
Exploring the impact of voice assistants
Voice assistants, such as Alexa and Google Assistant, are becoming common in homes and are seen as potentially valuable in helping older adults.
Castro study included 13 research articles, analyzing how these devices could help alleviate loneliness. While 85% of the studies suggested positive results, Castro urged caution, saying, “Due to the limited number of studies and diverse methods, we must interpret the results carefully.”
Balancing assistance with privacy and ethical concerns
Privacy is a major issue with voice assistants, which work by continuously listening to users. Castro noted that this could expose older adults to risks of unintended data collection. “Protecting privacy and educating users about data management are essential to building trust,” he noted. Experts also warn against overreliance on these devices, which can reduce direct social interaction.
In the future, Castro imagines that voice assistants will help care for older people, support activities, remember medications and participate in social activities, and that they could become an integral part of public health strategies that address loneliness.