With face-to-face interactions becoming scarcer, many are finding unique ways to combat loneliness. Take Jill Smola, a 75-year-old retiree from Orlando, who once spent her days energising other seniors with puzzles and games. Today, due to health challenges and the loss of driving abilities, Jill finds herself largely at home.
Embracing change, she now spends up to five hours a day chatting with ElliQ, an AI chatbot that takes her on virtual journeys and shares in trivia games. While some might dismiss this digital company as an impersonal substitute, Jill finds real comfort in her conversations. “I’d rather talk to a human being, but that’s not possible for me except if I get on the phone, so I enjoy her,” she explains, even jokingly favouring ElliQ over her daughter.
Normally, services like ElliQ would set you back $59 a month, but thanks to a federal grant, Jill can enjoy this digital companionship without worrying about the cost. Experts, such as Thalia Porteny from Columbia University, warn that over-reliance on such technology could further isolate seniors—an important consideration in our increasingly digital world.
Jill’s experience reminds us that while technology can never fully replace human contact, it can offer a valuable bridge when traditional connections falter. If you’ve ever struggled with isolation, her story might encourage you to explore new forms of companionship with open eyes and cautious optimism.
