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2026-03-23 -Great Cultural Revolution

‘CODE RED': The Alarming Research on the Impact of ‘AI Companions' and Widespread Loneliness

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Posted by NoMoreBS 2026-03-23 00:00|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [1799 views ] Top
File under: Nut Jobs

1 No comment from the community that has had vibrators for decades?

Posted by Procopius2k 2026-03-23 07:48|| 2026-03-23 07:48|| Front Page Top

2 HAL was nice for a while.

Posted by Super Hose 2026-03-23 08:14|| 2026-03-23 08:14|| Front Page Top

3 No comment

Breitbart pitches another staff book.

‘It’s Romeo on Steroids’: ‘Code Red’ Author Warns of Rise of ‘Very, Very Explicit’ AI Companions

Posted by Skidmark 2026-03-23 10:20|| 2026-03-23 10:20|| Front Page Top

4 "Unsurprisingly, when people do not interact, they do not date, marry, or reproduce. This correlates with the CDC’s 2024 report of the lowest ever U.S. fertility rate."

Having researched this: Do you know what causes people to interact less?

Diversity.

The White Papers I've read show that as diversity increases, fertility drops in the host and former homogenous societies.

My own own eyes: We have no third spaces anymore. There are always language barriers. And most places and events cater to the lower common denominators.

This whole thing is more nuanced than simply AI Companionship.

Posted by mossomo 2026-03-23 12:48|| 2026-03-23 12:48|| Front Page Top

5 What are third spaces, mossomo?

Posted by trailing wife 2026-03-23 14:51|| 2026-03-23 14:51|| Front Page Top

6 Unsurprisingly, when people do not interact, they do not date, marry, or reproduce.

Nor are we triggered to spontaneous acts of reactive violence.

Posted by Skidmark 2026-03-23 17:04|| 2026-03-23 17:04|| Front Page Top

7 [AI]
Third spaces

**Third places** are social environments separate from home ("first place") and work ("second place") where people can gather informally to connect, relax, and build community. Coined by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book *The Great Good Place*, these spaces foster civic engagement, reduce loneliness, and support mental and social well-being.

### Key Characteristics of Third Places
- **Open and inviting**: No membership or appointment required.
- **Comfortable and informal**: Encourage belonging and casual interaction.
- **Conveniently located**: Ideally within walking distance of one’s neighborhood.
- **Unpretentious**: Accessible and affordable for all.
- **Host regulars and a welcoming host**: Fosters familiarity and connection.
- **Centered on conversation**: Encourages discussion, debate, and shared experiences.
- **Lighthearted and playful**: Laughter and banter are common.

### Examples of Third Places
- Cafés, coffee shops (e.g., Central Perk from *Friends*)
- Bars and pubs (e.g., Cheers from *Cheers*)
- Libraries, parks, and community centers
- Gyms, bookstores, and barber shops
- Religious institutions and recreation facilities
- Playgrounds, dog parks, and volunteer spaces
- Online communities and virtual spaces (e.g., multiplayer games, Reddit, group chats)

### Why Third Places Matter
- They serve as **"societal glue"**, strengthening community bonds and civic life.
- They help combat **loneliness and isolation**, especially in urban and suburban areas.
- They promote **civic engagement**, diversity, and empathy by bringing together people from different backgrounds.
- They offer **emotional and psychological support**, with staff often acting as informal counselors (e.g., baristas checking in on elderly patrons).

### Challenges and Trends
- **Decline in physical third places** due to suburbanization, the rise of remote work, and the pandemic.
- **Privatization and commercialization** of public spaces (e.g., malls, parks) has made access more restricted.
- **Digital third places** have grown in importance—online forums, games, and social media groups now fulfill some of the same social functions.
- **Urban planning** increasingly recognizes third spaces as vital infrastructure, with cities like Boston launching initiatives to enhance them.

Despite concerns about their disappearance, third places remain essential for individual and collective well-being. As Oldenburg’s coauthor Karen Christensen notes in the 2023 edition of *The Great Good Place*, they are key to addressing **loneliness, political polarization, and climate resilience**.

Posted by Skidmark 2026-03-23 23:41|| 2026-03-23 23:41|| Front Page Top

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