New research on teen lonelines in Malaysia

Interesting new study by Tan Heang-Lee and Farah Nabilah (ISIS Malaysia): Lonely by design.

It covers a unique angle, examining possible relationships between AI companions and loneliness:

This research note examines how social media and AI companions may deepen loneliness among Malaysian adolescents by replacing meaningful connection with performance, comparison, and low-risk artificial companionship. It highlights the links between loneliness, mental health, social development, and broader social cohesion, and calls for safer technology and stronger opportunities for in-person belonging.

(from the credo summary)

I've heard a lot about social media and mental health effects, but not about AI companion use.

We need to be getting ahead of this technology use and it's impact on children (and society generally), so good to see this research.

The study makes recommendations including:

enforcing provisions on manipulative design features, extending school recess and providing green spaces in neighbourhoods.

(from the report executive summary)

I believe the researchers are going to conduct follow up, primary research -- so watch their space!