Clarke, Sam 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9297-3835, Shahnaz, Khademizadeh and Zeinab, Mohammadi
(2026)
AI and interpersonal relationships in Iran: Cultural and social challenges.
Spektrum Iran, 38 (2).
pp. 83-113.
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Abstract
This study examines the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on interpersonal relationships within Iranian society, highlighting the cultural, social, and psychological challenges emerging from the rapid adoption of AI technologies. As tools such as virtual assistants, social media algorithms, and AI-driven communication platforms become embedded in daily life, they are reshaping patterns of interaction, emotional engagement, and cultural norms. Drawing on twelve semi-structured interviews analyzed through a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods approach, including thematic analysis, intercoder reliability checks, and cross-case comparison, the research identifies a dual narrative: AI enhances communication, productivity, and daily convenience, yet simultaneously undermines face-to-face engagement, emotional bonds, and traditional social practices central to Iranian culture. Findings reveal growing concerns about weakened family and community ties, reduced social skills, dependency on intelligent systems, and generational gaps in digital adaptation. Participants also noted broader cultural shifts, including the rise of virtual lifestyles, threats to cultural identity, and increased social inequality driven by uneven access to AI tools. The study further identifies psychological risks such as loneliness, superficial online connections, diminished empathy, and the perceived decline of emotional intelligence as individuals increasingly interact with algorithmic systems. At the societal level, privacy, data governance, and ethical challenges create additional pressures that shape public trust and relational dynamics. The study contributes to national and international debates on human–AI interaction by demonstrating how global technologies interact with local cultural contexts. It argues that balancing technological innovation with the preservation of Iranian social values is essential to ensuring that AI strengthens rather than erodes the foundations of meaningful human relationships.
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