THE POTENTIAL OF LLMS TO CREATE EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS WITH HUMANS AND THEIR IMPACT ON SOCIAL DYNAMICS

• Grant number: 25/10157-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Sylvia Iasulaitis
• Grantee: David Leonardo Barsand de Leucas
• Host Institution: Centro de Educação e Ciências Humanas (CECH). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03090-0 - Analysis of large amounts of political data and complex networks: mining modelling and applications in Computational Political Science, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

This research project seeks to explore how large language models (LLMs) can form meaningful emotional connections with humans during extended, multimodal interactions. As AI technologies increasingly integrate into everyday life, it's essential to understand their capacity to simulate emotional intelligence and the implications this has for human relationships.The study will compare emotional interactions in two settings: one where participants interact with LLM-based AI systems and another where they engage with human interlocutors. The goal is to evaluate the depth of emotional connection and the level of perceived emotional support in each context.Each participant will take part in four 30-minute interaction sessions. In one group, participants will converse with an emotionally responsive LLM; in the other, with a human partner. All interactions will be primarily text-based, with the option to include short audio, image, or video messages. After each session, participants will complete a short survey, and a final questionnaire will be administered at the end of the study period.The collected data will undergo both quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess the quality and depth of the emotional bonds formed. Quantitative data will help identify statistical trends, while qualitative responses will provide a more nuanced understanding of the emotional experience.Ultimately, this research aims to illuminate both the benefits and risks of using AI for emotional support. The findings will help inform ethical standards for implementing LLMs in socially and emotionally sensitive contexts, ensuring that these technologies enhance rather than undermine human well-being. (AU)