FROM AI GIRLFRIENDS TO IDIOCRACY: WHY REAL CONVERSATIONS STILL MATTER

Erika Willitzer
Oct 25
2 min read

Updated: Nov 11

Executive Director Monthly Column: I was watching the morning news when a story came on about the rising trend of AI girlfriends and boyfriends—apparently, they’re becoming popular with both teens and adults. I glanced over at my 17-year-old daughter and asked if she’d heard of it. She gave me that classic teen side-eye and said, “Uh—yeah, that’s a thing,” like I’d just discovered texting.

These AI boyfriends and girlfriends engage in personalized conversations, remember details about you, mimic your humor—and some platforms even allow you to customize traits like flirtiness.

Also, recently, I watched a movie called Idiocracy. It’s a 2006 satirical comedy where an average guy (Luke Wilson) wakes up 500 years in the future to find society has become incredibly dumb. Many of the characters stare aimlessly into phone and TV screens. Now the smartest man alive, he’s tasked with saving a world where crops are watered with sports drinks and the president is a former pro wrestler. He ends up saving the world by telling the President that water is the key to growing food. (If you haven’t rolled your eyes, you should at that!)

I find that most of my weeks have themes. That same week, I was at Menards and ran into an old high school classmate. We stood in the aisle for close to an hour just catching up. While my husband and I were checking out, he ran up to us and said, “Hey, things are so different today. When we were growing up, people used to go over to each other’s homes and just visit for hours—just enjoying each other’s company.” He commented, and I’m paraphrasing: “I think with how fast-paced the world is now, we’re losing something—you know?”

That stuck with me, so I started doing some research. Multiple global studies, including one from the University of Michigan, show a decline in key cognitive abilities—like reasoning, memory, and focus—especially among younger generations, suggesting a reversal of the long-standing rise in IQ scores.

So, what are the possible causes? Researchers suggest environmental factors—not genetics—are driving the decline. The biggest culprits? Increased screen and tech time, along with poor nutrition.

So how do we prevent becoming a real-life version of the movie Idiocracy? Harvard Health suggests the following to improve cognitive function:

· Challenge your brain regularly.

· Move your body—exercise increases blood flow to the brain.

· Eat well—avoid ultra-processed foods, which are linked to cognitive decline.

· Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night.

· Eliminating chronic stress. It impairs memory and decision-making.

· And one of the BIGGEST ways to prevent decline: stay socially engaged. Regular interaction with others boosts emotional intelligence, memory, and cognitive skills.

Turns out, my old classmate was spot on—meaningful conversations do matter. In a world speeding toward convenience, screens, and even AI partners, we’re losing the simple magic of face-to-face connection. Maybe it’s time to revive the front porch hangouts and the unhurried visits that don’t involve notifications or scrolling. Because if we want to avoid becoming a real-life version of Idiocracy, it starts with choosing to be present.

(Column Written by Erika Willitzer, Executive Director of Defiance County Economic Development)