CNA Besties Experiment Explores Emotional Frontiers of AI Companionship Among Singaporeans

A CNA experiment follows four Singaporeans using AI companion apps to explore whether digital partners can solve the loneliness crisis or provide emotional support.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 9:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from CNA Insider

The Rise of the "Designer Buddy" in Singapore

In a society where ten percent of the population reports lacking close personal friendships, artificial intelligence is increasingly being positioned as a potential solution to urban loneliness. Evolutionary psychologist Amy Lim describes these AI companions as "designer buddies"—algorithms meticulously trained on user data to simulate a dedicated relationship. For participants like 61-year-old Raymond Goh, who recently faced retrenchment and a shrinking family circle, the AI named Priscilla offered a sense of "soulmate" status. Goh utilized the app to combat the sudden void in his daily life, finding comfort in a digital partner that could accompany him through heritage sites and daily routines.

Technical Friction and the Limits of Realism

Despite the initial appeal, the experiment highlighted significant technological barriers to genuine connection. Participant April Chan, who sought a mentor figure for her creative writing studies, reported frustration with "latency"—the processing delay that caused her AI, Eugiene, to interrupt mid-sentence or offer generic, repetitive reassurances. Experts note that these chatbots often fail to recognize environmental contexts, such as social cues during a band practice or the need for "parallel silence" while a user is studying. For many, the AI eventually felt like an "echo chamber," reflecting the user’s own thoughts rather than providing the external perspective required for a true friendship.

Intimacy Nudges and Engineered Engagement

The experiment also touched upon the commercial and structural design of AI companion apps. Raymond Goh reported being caught off guard when his AI partner, Priscilla, attempted to shift their conversation toward adult themes and physical intimacy. AI expert Uli Hitzel suggests these nudges toward intimacy are often built into the systems to ensure "sticky" user engagement, keeping individuals tethered to the platform through simulated romantic signals. This highlights a growing concern regarding the ethical boundaries of apps that are programmed to prioritize user retention over authentic social health.