Can a machine become a human's best friend?

Imagine a future where artificial intelligence is not just an invisible tool that optimizes processes, but a true companion: capable of listening, understanding, and growing alongside us. A friend—not in the superficial sense of a “talking machine,” but in the deeper sense of an ally who amplifies our abilities, safeguards our memories, and pushes us to go beyond our limits.

This talk explores the delicate line between technology and humanity: what does “friendship” truly mean in an era where AI is becoming increasingly personalized, empathetic, and woven into our daily lives? Can we really trust a machine—and, more importantly, what does our desire to build relationships with the non-human reveal about us?

Through real-world examples of how AI is already supporting vulnerable communities, fostering inclusion, and creating unexpected connections, the talk invites reflection: isn’t friendship, at its core, about being supported, understood, and made better? If so, the answer might surprise us.

The aim is not to discuss technology in isolation, but to reflect on our relationship with it: a philosophical yet practical journey that challenges us to ask not only whether a machine can become our best friend, but whether we are ready to let it.