Mark Zuckerberg recently shared an interesting thought. He believes AI chatbots could help with loneliness. He even suggested that AI could act as “friends” for those feeling isolated.

Zuckerberg pointed out that Americans have fewer than three friends on average. But they wish for as many as 15. A 2021 report backs this up. It found that about half of Americans have fewer than four close friends.

Zuckerberg thinks AI can bridge this gap. It can offer constant, personalized interactions. He added, “Over time, we will find the words to explain why this is valuable.”

Zuckerberg explaining how Meta is creating personalized AI friends to supplement your real ones: “The average American has 3 friends, but has demand for 15.”

— Roman Helmet Guy (@romanhelmetguy) April 30, 2025

The Problem of Loneliness

Loneliness is a big issue. But can AI really help? Might relying on AI for emotional support create a false sense of connection? Could it make feelings of isolation worse?

AI can mimic some aspects of companionship. But it lacks the depth, empathy, and understanding of human friendship.

Researchers have started exploring these questions. As a moral philosopher, I think it’s worth looking at Aristotle’s insights. He was an ancient Greek philosopher with enduring wisdom about friendships.

Friends: More Important Than Spouses, Kids, or Money

In his book Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle says true friendship is key to “eudaimonia.” This means “flourishing” or “well-being.”

For Aristotle, friends are essential. They are a central part of ethical living. Friends are crucial for happiness and fulfillment.

“Without friends, no one would choose to live, even if they had all other goods,” he writes.

A life with friends is more complete. Friendship provides emotional support and solidarity. It helps individuals grow their virtues, feel secure, and share their achievements.

Research supports this. A 2023 Pew Center report found that 61% of US adults say close friends are essential for a fulfilling life. This is more than those who cited marriage, children, or money.

A British study of 6,500 adults found similar results. Those with regular interactions with friends had better mental health and were happier.

A meta-analysis of nearly 150 studies found that lacking close friends can increase the risk of death. It can be as harmful as smoking, drinking, or obesity.

Different Friends for Different Needs

Aristotle focuses on the role of friendship in developing virtue. He describes three types of friendships:

• Friendships of utility: These are based on mutual benefit. Each person is mainly concerned with what they can gain. These friendships often end when one person stops benefiting.
• Friendships of pleasure: These are based on shared interests. They can be temporary, depending on how long the shared interests last. This type of friendship is important but not the highest form.
• Virtuous friendships: This is the strongest form. It is based on mutual respect for each other’s virtues and character. In a virtuous friendship, each person helps the other become better. They do this through encouragement, moral guidance, and support.

As Aristotle writes: “Perfect friendship is the friendship of men who are good and alike in virtue. Those who wish well to their friends for their sake are most truly friends. Their friendship lasts as long as they are good – and goodness is an enduring thing.”

Friendships rooted in virtue bring happiness and fulfillment. They also help with personal growth and moral development.

According to Aristotle, a virtuous friend provides a mirror. You can reflect on your actions, thoughts, and decisions. When one friend shows honesty, generosity, or compassion, the other can learn and be inspired.

AI: No Nourishment for the Soul

So, what does this mean for AI friends?

By Aristotle’s standards, AI chatbots cannot be true friends. They may provide useful information or engage in light conversation. But they lack the qualities of a virtuous friendship.

AI cannot show mutual concern or genuine reciprocity. It can simulate empathy or encouragement, but it does not truly care. Nor does it ask anything of its human users.

AI cannot engage in the shared pursuit of the good life. Aristotle’s notion of friendship involves a shared journey. Each person helps the other live wisely and well. This requires moral development that only humans can undergo.

It is best to think of AI as a tool. Just like a good shovel or rake can improve your life, but they do not replace friends.

AI may offer limited companionship. But it cannot meet the criteria for virtuous friendship. It may fill a temporary social void, but it cannot nourish the soul.

The rise of AI companions should remind us of the need for real friendships. We live in an increasingly disconnected world.

Gregg D Caruso, Professor of Ethics and Management and Director of the Waide Center for Applied Ethics, Fairfield University.

This article first appeared on The Conversation.