An AI startup has launched a service called inTouch that promises to call elderly parents on behalf of their busy or distant children. The service uses an AI-generated voice to converse with the elderly about their day, hobbies, and feelings. After the call, a summary of the conversation is sent to the account holder, including a visual indicator of the elderly person’s state of mind, such as ‘bad mood’ or ‘neutral mood.’
While the idea of using AI to check in on lonely relatives may seem dystopian and impersonal, the service’s creator argues that it can help families stay in touch and ensure their loved ones’ safety. The AI-generated summary provides a convenient way for family members to stay informed about their elderly relatives’ well-being without having to make the call themselves.
However, the concept raises questions about the quality of human connection and the potential for technology to replace personal interactions. As we tested the service, we considered both the benefits and drawbacks of relying on AI to care for our elderly loved ones.
