Artificial Companions. Real Consequences.

There's an emerging disruption caused by AI and I'm not talking about AI taking jobs or the casual user looking for information. It’s something more.

What happens when men exchange real connection for virtual connections. I saw some new research the other day online and it showed that AI such as ChatGPT, Grok, and others are being increasingly used not only for work or informational needs like fact checking your friends.. :), but as therapy and companionship. Wow… Believe it or not, AI has become more than an assistant; now we rely on it as our friend, therapist... even sexual partner.

These negative effects are already making their mark on men: in our churches, marriages, and even in the mission field I serve in with our work with operation for freedom. The mental health gap is expanding in America and we can’t help but wonder… Why?… stats are showing that men under 45 are especially prone to isolation, anxiety and addiction, which is why we are seeing this increase in artifical companionship. These are all risks that make men susceptible to dependency on a “vice”… I’m talking about sexual addictions that inevitably lead to the increase in demand for trafficking. Now, instead of engaging in real dialogue with their friends, mens group, or counselors... struggling men open an app get the support they think they need. They may feel pressure to confess their struggles to someone they trust, so instead they create an artificial intelligence avatar who never responds negatively or gives advice that challenges or is critical of them in a loving constructive way.

When Connectivity Becomes an Asset.

Here is what most men don't dare say out loud: It can be easier to talk to an Ai friend than with one of your brothers, and it’s more pleasant for you to be assured than challenged by them. Furthermore, living a fake life can make life simpler than living freely and with gut honesty. The truth is we don't need more fantasy friendships; what we need is genuine brotherhood. Men need each other for support, to talk through struggles together. figure out life and dream… These are men who choose courage over comfort, even when the path ahead may be messy.

AI Is Not Our Foe... Isolation is. Don't take this the wrong way, tools aren't the issue here, living in quiet desperation is. Solitude can lead to addiction, anger, and numbness in men, and lonely addicted men are the ones who create the demand that drives trafficking in our world. 

Now is the time to step in. Now is the time to rebuild genuine relationships, improve mental health, and resist the false comforts of digital intimacy. Because no algorithm can shape your soul.

Men need A path forward. The enemy would prefer that men remain isolated, embarrassed, and silent. But justice begins when men stand together with conviction and accountability, to make things right. That’s Justice.. Let us be those men for the Church, for our sons and daughters.

In the fight with you,

Andrew