People have been found to hold a negative perception of outsourcing socio-relational tasks. Yet people love to find and continue to seek efficiency. AI promises to keep the proverbial efficiency train rolling, but at great cost to our relationships. When it comes to interpersonal relationships, there is no substitute for investing time and energy.

Loneliness is rising, and some see AI as a solution to our intimacy gap. AI companions—often chatbots paired with avatars—promise to fill our need for connection. These companions are not new and have been widely reported on over the years. Alas, as with everything in the modern era, concern over this suite of technologies has subsided, replaced by other worries. Yet, the trend towards artificial intimacy continues.

AI agents are cool and promise great things — but do not succumb to the rapid rise in cognitive deskilling across the labour market. I have outlined a few ideas for you to consider and adopt if they suit your needs.

To kick off 2026, this weekend, I sought out some of the simplicity described in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.