The Social Junk Food | Chaiti Ghoshal | TEDxIEM Salt Lake

Relying on artificial intelligence for companionship can feel like consuming "social junk food": quick and comforting, but lacking real connection. The talk looks at how replacing human interaction with AI can deepen personal isolation and weaken the ability to handle complex real-world relationships. The speaker argues that tolerance, empathy and genuine connection are found through human stories and lived experiences. The talk was given at TEDxIEM Salt Lake, an independently organized TEDx event, and is presented by speaker Chaiti Ghoshal, an actor known for theatre, television and cinema in Bengali performing arts.

• AI companionship compared to social junk food: fast and comforting but shallow
• Replacing human contact with AI may deepen isolation
• Empathy and tolerance grow through human stories and lived experience
• Speaker Chaiti Ghoshal, Bengali theatre, TV and film actor

Relying on artificial intelligence for companionship can feel like consuming "social junk food"—quick, comforting, and instant, but ultimately lacking real connection. The speaker explores how replacing human interactions with AI deepens personal isolation and weakens our ability to navigate complex real-world relationships. Ultimately, she emphasizes that tolerance, empathy, and genuine connection can only be found through human stories and lived experiences. An accomplished actor with a career spanning theatre, television and cinema, Chaiti Ghoshal has been a prominent presence in Bengali performing arts for decades. Beginning her journey on stage, she went on to build a diverse body of work across acclaimed theatrical productions, television and films. Known for her versatility and deep connection with the performing arts, she continues to contribute to Bengal’s cultural landscape across both stage and screen. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx