Crisis of intimacy in the era of artificial sociality

The article examines the phenomenon of the “crisis of intimacy” in the age of rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). The paper analyzes the historical, cultural, and socio-economic prerequisites for the weakening of traditional forms of closeness. Particular attention is paid to the standardization of intimacy within the logic of the McDonaldization. The article concludes that AI technologies, such as AI companions and dating apps’ algorithms, while offering an illusion of emotional closeness, simultaneously intensify alienation and social isolation among users.