From Evolution to Dependence: Artificial Intelligence and Human Relationships

Farhana Rakshand

In today’s world, technology is no longer merely a convenience for human beings; it has gradually assumed the role of a close companion. People now find it easier to communicate with technology than with one another. Whether it is acquiring information, handling official matters, addressing educational concerns, or even engaging in personal and social conversations, technology is being relied upon everywhere.

When human beings began to depend on technological tools even for resolving their questions, making decisions, and addressing emotional dilemmas, this journey of evolution entered a new and delicate phase. Yes, you understood correctly—ChatGPT. ChatGPT has now become a close companion for many people. However, the issue is not limited to ChatGPT alone; the use of artificial intelligence in all its forms, designed to make life easier, is rapidly increasing.

Those who possess a deeper understanding of technology are actively engaged in using various forms of artificial intelligence not only to simplify their own lives but also to make life easier for others. What may have begun a few years ago has now reached a point where it feels as though no task is possible without artificial intelligence. Its role has become prominent across almost every profession. Even journalism—once founded on writing, observation, and human insight—is now being carried out with remarkable efficiency through artificial intelligence.

Along the same continuum, a new trend is emerging: people are increasingly seeking guidance from artificial intelligence even in matters related to their personal relationships. Relationships are inevitably marked by ups and downs—at times love, at times sorrow, at times conflict, and at times complaint. Today, however, people seek suggestions from artificial intelligence to sustain these relationships. Artificial intelligence analyses patterns of human communication, words, and behaviour, applies scientific frameworks, categorises them, and then proposes solutions.

Over the past few years, we have also witnessed the rise of short videos and trends on social media. Initially, content was created merely to capture attention through humour or oddity. Gradually, alongside entertainment, material based on knowledge and analysis began to emerge. In this context, many women have started creating reels and videos centred on relationships with partners or in-laws, addressing themes such as marital dynamics, parent-child relationships, and emotional attachment. Such content often gains popularity overnight.

Men, in a similar manner, create videos analysing their spouses’ behaviour, and these too receive widespread attention. But who is presenting these analyses? The answer, increasingly, is artificial intelligence. AI derives patterns from countless relationship narratives and presents its conclusions. On the surface, these analyses appear accurate and convincing. However, the problem arises when emotions and lived experiences—emotions that individuals should feel, reflect upon, and process on their own—are already delivered to them in the form of ready-made conclusions and labels.

For instance, when a man distressed by his wife’s behaviour turns to artificial intelligence with a question, the response he receives is often similar to what a woman receives when asking about her husband. The fundamental reason is simple: each of us sees ourselves as the hero of our own story. We tend to portray ourselves as victims and others as the ones at fault. Artificial intelligence, in turn, responds according to the narrative presented to it. The language is yours, the framing is yours, and the conclusions often reinforce your role as the protagonist while others become mere extras in your story.

Thus, while the assistance comes from artificial intelligence, the self-image remains untouched. In this age of self-obsession that has followed social media, artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT can, at times unconsciously, make human beings even more self-centred. Yet the real authority still lies in human hands—within one’s own conscience.

One interesting trend visible on social media today is that everyone seems eager to preach to others. Questions such as How do you identify a bad person? Who is selfish? or Who is a narcissist? dominate reels and short videos. Terms like narcissist, gaslighting, trauma-bonding, and love-bombing—which originate in clinical psychology—are now used casually in everyday conversations. Experts repeatedly caution against the loose misuse of these terms, yet they have become familiar and fashionable labels.

Artificial intelligence is merely a tool that responds to questions. Self-regulation, acknowledgment of one’s own flaws, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong can only come from within. If a person does not speak the truth to themselves, then no one—not even artificial intelligence—can reveal the truth to them.

Therefore, in this context, the growing disputes in marriages are often fueled by public side-taking and mutual blame, amplified through social media platforms and applications where groups align themselves with one party while dismissing the complexity of the other. What is frequently overlooked is that every life story—and every relationship—is different. Who is the hero and who is the villain in any relationship can only become clear when our conscience remains unclouded. We cannot claim to be progressive merely by attaching labels, nor can we judge another person’s character by selectively choosing sides through reels, videos, and status updates.

The role of artificial intelligence is to facilitate access to knowledge without assigning fixed identities to individuals or passing any final judgments on human behaviour. Nevertheless, indirect messages, accusations, and emotional grievances are increasingly conveyed through social media statuses, reels, and videos. In many cases, artificial intelligence has become the silent producer and director of such emotional content, subtly shaping personal narratives and in turn, intensifying conflict.

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence is assisting us in many ways. However, it is our responsibility to guide it with conscious awareness. Technology can support us, but only human wisdom can ensure that we move forward with our sense of responsibility intact.

 Language Educator (French & English) | Writer 

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