AI Companionship Technologies: Technical Architecture and Human Impact in the Digital Age

Authors

Sophia M. Cathey Ms., The University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

IDS

Course Number

4934

Faculty/Instructor

Sharon Woodill

Faculty/Instructor Email

sharon.woodill@ucf.edu

About the Author

As an ambitious and innovative senior at the University of Central Florida, I am driven by a passion for leveraging the transformative potential of AI. My capstone project, showcased here, exemplifies my commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry, integrating insights from computer science, psychology, and ethics to address the complex challenges of AI companionship technologies. Beyond the theoretical, I am deeply committed to the responsible and ethical application of AI. My service learning initiative with UCF Career Services provided a valuable opportunity to directly improve digital resources for thousands of students, enhancing their access to career development tools. This work, recognized by the NACE Digital Technology Competency, demonstrates my ability to bridge cutting-edge AI development with user-centered design and a strong sense of social responsibility. I am eager to contribute my skills in AI, cybersecurity, and project management to shape the future of human-centered technological advancements.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

This research investigates the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by AI companionship technologies, an emerging frontier in human-computer interaction. The project's core purpose was to develop a comprehensive framework for responsible AI companionship systems, integrating insights from computer science, psychology, and ethics to address critical concerns related to user dependency, privacy, and the authenticity of AI interactions. Key activities included analyzing AI companionship as a complex adaptive system, revealing emergent properties and the need for interdisciplinary design approaches, and designing practical solutions to enhance digital resources at UCF Career Services. A key learning was the necessity of bridging technical AI development with ethical considerations and user-centered design to maximize positive impact and mitigate potential risks, a principle I apply across my work in AI, cybersecurity, and related fields.

Keywords

AI Companionship; Artificial Intelligence; AI Ethics; Human-Computer Interaction; Service Learning; UCF Career Services; Digital Accessibility; AI Chatbot; Notification Dashboard; Interdisciplinary Research; Technology Architecture; Psychological Impact; Ethical Framework; Career Development; User-Centered Design; Ethical Technology;

Recommended Citation

Cathey, Sophia M. Ms., "AI Companionship Technologies: Technical Architecture and Human Impact in the Digital Age" (2025). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025. 60.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025spring/60