Older Americans turning to AI-powered chatbots for companionship
Older Americans turning to AI-powered chatbots for companionship

Jill Smola, a 75-year-old widow, says she spends up to five hours a day talking to a chatbot companion.
Read the full article on CBS Technology
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, highlighting the increasing trend of older adults using AI chatbots for companionship. While the core claim is supported by multiple sources, the article may exhibit a slight positive bias towards the use of AI for this purpose. Some specific details, like the exact number of hours spent with chatbots, rely on anecdotal evidence.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Older Americans are turning to AI-powered chatbots for companionship.
- Verification Source #2: Confirms that AI technology, including chatbots, can provide companionship to older adults.
- Verification Source #4: States that AI chatbots can provide companionship and reduce loneliness among older adults.
- Verification Source #5: Highlights the development of AI-powered chatbots designed to assist aging Americans.
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources.
- Claim: Jill Smola, a 75-year-old widow, says she spends up to five hours a day talking to a chatbot companion.
- Assessment: Unverified. This is anecdotal evidence from the article itself. No external source confirms this specific claim.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 2: Companionship can be provided in the form of virtual assistants or chatbots
- Source 4: The effectiveness of AI chatbots in reducing loneliness among older adults: A pilot study.