From Companion to Mediator

Abstract

While artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being adopted to mitigate social isolation, existing research has predominantly examined human–AI (H–AI) companionship, potentially overlooking the risk that AI agents are being used as a substitute for authentic human-to-human (H–H) social connections. This scoping review investigates the relatively underexplored domain of AI as a catalytic mediator designed to promote H–H social connections. Guided by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‑Analyses) and study selection process, a total of 225 studies published between January 2021 and October 2025 were initially retrieved, of which five were ultimately selected for analysis. By examining empirical studies on AI-mediated H–H social connections, this study explores the current state of research, identifies design implications, and then develops preliminary design guidelines for enhancing the quality of H–H social connections. The findings reveal that the reviewed studies frequently exhibit structural limitations, such as a reliance on dyadic relationships, insufficient reciprocal support mechanisms for vulnerable populations, and a lack of exit strategies. Ultimately, this review argues for expanding the social role of AI from that of a companion to that of a catalytic mediator so that AI can support more diverse H–H social relationships.