Friendship is one of the most important aspects of human existence, yet it can be challenging to define. In recent years, technology has changed how people interact with each other, creating new ways to form friendships that extend beyond physical proximity. Virtual presence allows people to connect from anywhere in the world, while AI companions provide emotional support without judgment. Chosen family networks are increasingly common among LGBTQ+ individuals who have been rejected by their biological families for being different. These developments pose unique challenges for queer community building, as they require navigating intersections between friendship, sexuality, and identity.
A relational ethics approach to friendship emphasizes the importance of trust, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. This means recognizing that friends should treat each other equally and fairly, with respect and care.
Virtual presence blurs boundaries between public and private spaces, raising questions about what constitutes acceptable behavior online versus offline.
It may become easier for someone to exploit a vulnerable person through social media without ever meeting them face-to-face.
AI companions cannot always respond to the nuances of human emotion and may not fully understand their users' needs.
Chosen family networks provide an alternative way to build community outside traditional nuclear families. They involve intentionally chosen relationships based on shared values, interests, and goals rather than blood ties or geographic proximity. These networks are particularly valuable for LGBTQ+ individuals who often face discrimination and isolation due to their identities.
These networks can also present difficulties when members live far apart and need to coordinate schedules for meetups or travel extensively to maintain connections.
As technology continues to shape how we interact, the future of friendship will likely be shaped by its integration into our lives. Queer communities must adapt to this change while still maintaining their commitment to justice and inclusion. It is unclear whether AI companions could replace human interaction entirely or if virtual presence would create deeper connections than physical ones. The impact of COVID-19 has already shown how digital communication can sustain friendships in times of crisis but has also highlighted issues around privacy, intimacy, and emotional support.
Relational ethics may need to evolve further to accommodate new forms of connection while preserving the core principles that make true friendships unique.
How might a relational ethics of friendship evolve to account for virtual presence, AI companionship, chosen family networks across borders, and what might this mean for queer community building in the future?
According to social scientists, the concept of "friendship" is defined by various characteristics such as mutual affection, trust, commitment, intimacy, and support (Graham & Seunghee, 2017). The introduction of artificial intelligence and virtual presence has changed the dynamics of human interaction, rendering traditional notions of friendship obsolete.