Disconnected: A Screenplay Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Real Human Relationship

Authors

  • Felix Calvin Universitas Kristen Petra
  • Ribut Basuki Petra Christian University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9744/katakita.14.3.304-309

Keywords:

ai companion, emotional dependency, grief, parasocial relationship, screenplay

Abstract

This creative work explores the impact of artificial intelligence on human relationships through a science fiction screenplay titled Disconnected: A Screenplay Exploring the Impact of AI on Real Human Relationships. The story follows Elias, a grieving father in near-future Surabaya who becomes emotionally attached to an AI replica of his late wife. As his dependency on the AI deepens, his relationship with his daughter gradually deteriorates. This work applies Parasocial Interaction Theory by Horton and Wohl (1956), further contextualized to AI companionship by Zhang et al. (2025), alongside the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement by Stroebe and Schut (1999). Through these theories, the screenplay examines emotional dependency, grief avoidance, and the disconnection of authentic human relationships in a technologically mediated society.

References

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Horton, D., & Wohl, R. R. (1956). Mass communication and para-social interaction: Observations on intimacy at a distance. Psychiatry, 19(3), 215–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.1956.11023049

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Stroebe, M., & Schut, H. (1999). The dual process model of coping with bereavement: Rationale and description. Death Studies, 23(3), 197–224. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481189920104

Tukachinsky, R., & Stever, G. S. (2019). The parasocial interaction–parasocial relationship connection: A conceptual clarification and a critical assessment of its measurement. Human Communication Research, 45(1), 3–25. https://doi.org/10.1093/hcr/hqy018

Turkle, S. (2011). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. Basic Books.

Zhang, Y., Zhao, D., Hancock, J. T., Kraut, R., & Yang, D. (2025). The rise of AI companions: How human-chatbot relationships influence well-being. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.12605

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Published

2026-09-30 — Updated on 2026-09-30

Versions

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Felix Calvin, Ribut Basuki

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