The Hidden Danger of AI?

 

Why Loneliness, Not Robot Rebellions, May Be Our Biggest Threat

Your phone buzzes for the fifteenth time today. Another AI-generated notification designed to draw you back into the digital world. You check it almost reflexively. Meanwhile, it's been three days since you've had a meaningful face-to-face conversation with another human being.

 

Sound familiar? While most discussions about artificial intelligence focus on job displacement or sci-fi scenarios of machines overthrowing humanity, NYU professor Scott Galloway believes we're overlooking AI's most insidious danger: the epidemic of loneliness it's creating among us.

 

The conventional wisdom suggests that technological advancement is inherently optimistic—connecting us globally, enhancing productivity, and creating new opportunities. But what if our obsession with screens and algorithms is actually pushing us further apart? At this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Galloway delivered a provocative keynote piercing the usual tech optimism to reveal a troubling reality: our addiction to technology may unravel the social fabric that makes us human.

AI's True Threat: The Loneliness Epidemic

Forget about Terminator scenarios. Galloway argues that the real danger of artificial intelligence isn't a robot rebellion; it's how technology is reshaping our social connections and leading to unprecedented levels of isolation.

Digital Connection vs. Human Connection

The statistics Galloway shared are startling: more than half of American men aged 18 to 24 have never asked a woman on a date. As we become wealthier and more technologically connected, we also become increasingly socially disconnected. This issue is not just personal – it is evolving into a societal crisis:

• Young people today face higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to previous generations
• Social media algorithms are crafted to maximize engagement by provoking outrage
• Tech companies with immense resources intentionally design products to keep us fixated on screens.

"The more people are tied to screens, the more human relationships are sacrificed," Galloway warned during his address. The evidence supports his concern. A study from the American Psychological Association found that loneliness and social isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated at mimicking human interaction, the problem may worsen.

The Crisis of Young Men: A Warning Sign for Society

Galloway highlights the challenges faced by young men, seeing their circumstances not merely as a gender-specific issue but as an early warning sign of a larger societal collapse.

Troubling Trends and Statistics

Consider these alarming figures Galloway highlighted:

• 80% of suicide victims in America are male
• 75% of homeless individuals are men
• 70% of addiction cases involve men
• Men are 12 times more likely to be incarcerated

In the meantime, the digital world provides an easy escape. Why face the risk of rejection in the real world when you can find validation, entertainment, and even AI companions online? This withdrawal from real-world interaction fosters a dangerous feedback loop. As Galloway noted, by age 30, men who aren't married or living with a partner are 33% more likely to develop substance abuse issues. The data reveals that while two-thirds of women under 30 are in relationships, two-thirds of men in the same age group are not.

A Path Forward for Young Men

Rather than simply identifying problems, Galloway offered practical advice for combating this isolation:

1. Exercise regularly – Physical strength is linked to improved mental health and greater confidence
2. Build financial independence – Even small steps toward earning an income can help restore a sense of agency
3. Create social connections – Dedicate weekly time to groups working towards a common goal.

Most importantly, Galloway highlighted the importance of building resilience to rejection. Achieving success in careers, finances, and relationships often involves enduring numerous "no's" before arriving at a "yes."

The Role of Tech Companies: Anger Algorithms and Democracy in Crisis

At the heart of these social problems, Galloway identifies a troubling shift in how tech companies operate and the outsized influence they now wield.

From Sex to Anger: The New Marketing Paradigm

According to Galloway, from 1945 to 1995, the best way to build a brand was through sex appeal. However, Google's arrival changed everything. Now, the most effective branding tool is something far more destructive: anger. Modern algorithms are designed to provoke outrage, driving engagement and maximizing shareholder value at the cost of social cohesion. The proof? The percentage of Americans who refuse to speak to neighbors with differing political views has quadrupled from 10% to 40%.

Tech Leadership and Responsibility

Galloway didn't mince words when discussing tech leaders. He criticized figures like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk for being venerated as "capitalist Jesus Christs" despite their troubling personal behaviors. He also called out current tech executives for their timid responses to the potential dangers of AI. His message was clear: tech companies must redesign their algorithms with social responsibility in mind, not just engagement metrics.

Breaking the Cycle: How We Can Respond

While Galloway's analysis presents a troubling picture, his message is not entirely negative. There are tangible actions both individuals and societies can pursue to tackle these challenges.

Individual Actions

Each of us can take steps to reclaim our social well-being:

• Regular digital detoxes – Establish limits on technology usage.  
• Prioritize in-person connections – Allocate time for face-to-face interactions.  
• Join community organizations – Such as churches, nonprofits, or volunteer groups.  
• Practice resilience – Develop the ability to manage rejection and setbacks.

These may seem like simple steps, but they directly counter the isolation that Galloway identifies as AI's true danger.

Societal Response

Beyond individual actions, Galloway suggested broader changes:

• Tech companies should redesign algorithms to promote connection instead of divide
• Politicians need to acknowledge loneliness as a public health crisis
• Communities ought to create more opportunities for meaningful in-person interaction
• Education systems should teach digital literacy and healthy relationship skills.

The European Union, with its strong regulatory framework, may be uniquely positioned to take the lead on these issues. As Galloway noted, the EU possesses considerable economic power and technological expertise that could be utilized to establish new standards for how technology benefits humanity rather than the other way around.

Moving Forward: Technology That Serves Humanity

The solution isn't about rejecting AI or technological progress; rather, it involves ensuring these tools enhance our humanity instead of diminishing it. Artificial intelligence has immense potential to tackle complex problems and improve lives. However, as Galloway's warnings highlight, we must remain vigilant about the social costs associated with digital immersion. The most advanced AI will never replicate a friend's reassuring touch, a partner's knowing glance, or the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a community. As we develop increasingly sophisticated technology, we must ensure it strengthens rather than replaces these essential human connections. Perhaps the true measure of technological progress shouldn't be based on how well machines can mimic humans but on how effectively they enhance the qualities that make us uniquely human—our capacity for empathy, connection, and shared meaning. Ultimately, the greatest innovation may not be technological at all, but social: creating digital systems that recognize and nurture our need for genuine human connection.

 

Based on Scott Galloway's keynote "The Age of Revolution" at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona.