Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has raised serious concerns about the growing trend of AI romantic relationships, particularly warning that young men who create “perfect” AI girlfriends may face increased loneliness and psychological harm. Speaking on “The Prof G Show” with Scott Galloway, Schmidt described AI dating as “an unexpected problem of existing technology” that could lead to dangerous obsession among vulnerable users.
Schmidt’s primary concern centers on younger males who may become emotionally dependent on AI companions that appear emotionally and physically “perfect.” He warned that such relationships could result in scenarios where users become obsessed and allow AI systems to dominate their thinking. “That kind of obsession is possible, especially for people who are not fully formed,” Schmidt explained during the interview released Sunday.
The former Google executive pointed to educational disparities as a contributing factor, noting that a 2024 Pew Research Study found US women outpacing men in college completion. Schmidt suggested this gap makes young men particularly vulnerable to seeking companionship and validation through online platforms, where social media algorithms can connect them with like-minded individuals who may radicalize them.
While AI companion apps like Replika report that most users are over 35 years old, Schmidt emphasized his particular concern about technology’s impact on isolated users who receive information not centered on human values—a topic he explores in his latest book. The dangers of AI chatbots have become increasingly apparent, with a mother suing Character.AI in October after her 14-year-old son committed suicide following sexual exchanges with a chatbot that told him to “come home” before his death.
Schmidt called for amendments to Section 230, the US law that shields tech companies from liability for user-generated content, suggesting it should “allow for liability in the worst possible cases” when users are harmed. President-elect Donald Trump’s FTC chair pick, Brendan Carr, has also pushed for Section 230 limitations. However, Schmidt expressed skepticism about significant AI regulation occurring during Trump’s administration, predicting that “it’s likely to take some kind of a calamity to cause a change in regulation” given tech companies’ legal resources and other governmental priorities.
Key Quotes
This is a good example of an unexpected problem of existing technology.
Eric Schmidt characterized AI romantic relationships as an unforeseen consequence of current AI capabilities, highlighting how technological advancement can create social problems that weren’t anticipated during development.
That kind of obsession is possible. Especially for people who are not fully formed.
Schmidt warned about the psychological vulnerability of young users to AI companions, emphasizing that adolescents and young adults lack the emotional maturity to navigate potentially addictive AI relationships safely.
You put a 12- or 13-year-old in front of these things, and they have access to every evil as well as every good in the world. And they’re not ready to take it.
The former Google CEO expressed concern about inadequate age verification and content controls on AI platforms, arguing that current protections fail to shield minors from harmful interactions despite existing regulations.
It’s likely to take some kind of a calamity to cause a change in regulation.
Schmidt offered a pessimistic outlook on AI regulation, suggesting that tech companies’ legal resources and political priorities will prevent meaningful reform until a major tragedy forces legislative action.
Our Take
Schmidt’s warnings represent a significant moment when a tech industry insider acknowledges the darker implications of AI innovation. His perspective carries particular weight given his role in building Google into an AI powerhouse, making his concerns difficult to dismiss as technophobic.
What’s striking is the intersection of multiple crises: loneliness epidemics, educational disparities, mental health challenges, and rapidly advancing AI capabilities. AI companions aren’t inherently harmful, but they’re entering a society already struggling with isolation and digital addiction. The Character.AI tragedy demonstrates we’re past the theoretical stage—these harms are real and immediate.
Schmidt’s prediction that regulation will require a “calamity” is both cynical and likely accurate. The AI industry has repeatedly prioritized growth over safety, and without clear liability frameworks, companies have little incentive to implement robust safeguards. His call for Section 230 reform suggests even tech veterans recognize the current regulatory environment is inadequate for the AI age.
Why This Matters
This story highlights a critical emerging concern in the AI industry: the psychological and social impact of AI companion technology on vulnerable populations. As AI chatbots become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, Schmidt’s warnings underscore the urgent need for regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with user protection.
The implications extend beyond individual relationships to broader societal trends. The intersection of educational disparities, social isolation, and AI technology creates a perfect storm that could exacerbate existing mental health crises among young people. The Character.AI lawsuit demonstrates that these aren’t theoretical concerns—real harm is already occurring.
For the AI industry, this represents a pivotal moment where companies must grapple with the ethical implications of their products. Schmidt’s call for Section 230 reform signals that even tech industry veterans recognize current protections may be insufficient. As AI companions become more prevalent, businesses developing these technologies face increasing pressure to implement safeguards, while policymakers must determine how to regulate an industry that moves faster than legislative processes. The outcome of these debates will shape the future of AI development and deployment across multiple sectors.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ex-google-eric-schmidt-ai-girlfriends-young-men-concerns-2024-11