Alexa as your new bestie: Can an AI robot or voice assistant help you feel less lonely?

Amazon Alexa: "Sorry to hear that. Talking to a friend, listening to music or taking a walk might help. I hope you feel better soon." Alexa's artificial intelligence-infused heart may be in the right place, but there's only so far it or any AI can go to comfort someone who is alone. All the same, Alexa's response raises questions about just what kind of role an AI can play to "cure" loneliness, especially among the elderly.