The Role of Intelligent Voice Assistants in Reducing Loneliness and Strengthening Social Support

Abstract Loneliness and insufficient social support represent critical public health concerns, disproportionately affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities. This narrative review explores the role of intelligent voice assistants (intelligent voice assistants) in alleviating loneliness and enhancing social support systems. By synthesizing recent evidence, the review identifies intelligent voice assistants’ capacity to foster emotional connections, facilitate social interactions, and provide personalized support. For example, longitudinal studies report that IVA usage can reduce self-reported loneliness by up to ۳۰% among older adults. Despite these promising outcomes, challenges such as technological limitations, cultural differences, and privacy concerns remain significant, particularly in countries like Iran with infrastructural and economic constraints. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for understanding the mechanisms through which intelligent voice assistants impact emotional well-being and proposes practical recommendations for integrating intelligent voice assistants into comprehensive mental health strategies. The findings emphasize the necessity of interdisciplinary research and localized adaptations to maximize the potential of intelligent voice assistants as scalable tools for improving social and emotional well-being across diverse populations. Keyword: Itelligent Voice Assistants, Loneliness, Social Support, Mental Health, Cultural Adaptation.

Keywords:

Itelligent Voice Assistants , Loneliness , Social Support , Mental Health , Cultural Adaptation.