Reading Passage​

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The rise of artificial intelligence makes it seem almost inevitable that robots will play a bigger role in our everyday lives. From digital assistants in our homes to machines helping in hospitals, technology is becoming more present and more personal. This leads to a fascinating question: could robots one day become our closest companions? For many, the possibility feels like the beginning of a new chapter in human history.

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Some people are sceptical about this possibility. Friendship, they argue, is deeply human, shaped by emotions, trust, and shared experiences. Machines may be clever, but they cannot feel in the same way humans do. Still, supporters believe that even if robots cannot love, they can still provide comfort and practical help, especially for those who need company. The discussion is divided between those who see opportunity and those who fear loss.

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Modern robots are able to replicate human behaviour in surprising ways. They can copy speech patterns, show facial expressions, and even respond to moods. These abilities make them seem more lifelike than ever. While everyone knows it is programming, the effect is powerful enough that people may react to robots as if they were real companions. This blurring of the line between reality and simulation is what makes them so intriguing.

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Today’s machines are increasingly sophisticated, designed not just to perform tasks but to adapt to complex human needs. Some are created to care for elderly people, offering reminders to take medicine and providing conversation. Others are programmed to support children with learning. These developments show how quickly technology is moving beyond simple tools toward something more humanlike. The progress suggests that robots will become more common in personal spaces in the near future.

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The quality of companionship depends heavily on interpersonal skills. Robots that can hold natural conversations, adjust to different personalities, and respond to social cues are more likely to be accepted as friends. If a machine can manage relationships in a way that feels authentic, people may treat it less like an object and more like a trusted partner. Strong interpersonal design is what separates machines that entertain from those that truly connect.

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One challenge is whether robots can truly mimic human emotions. They can copy laughter, smiles, or sympathetic words, but that does not mean they actually feel joy or sadness. However, when machines display compassion, even if programmed, it may still comfort lonely individuals. For those experiencing alienation, such as people who live alone, robotic companionship could reduce feelings of separation from society. This raises important questions about whether comfort is less valuable when it comes from a machine.

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The debate remains highly controversial. Critics fear that if people replace human contact with machines, genuine social bonds will weaken. Others worry about privacy, since robots often collect data, and there are concerns about who controls this information. Still, many argue that the potential benefits of care, safety, and company cannot be ignored. The issue divides public opinion, and each new development sparks more arguments.

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Finally, questions of reliance, how to integrate robots into daily life, and the ethical limits of their design will shape the future. Should robots be allowed to act like friends or only as assistants? How much trust should humans place in them? These are not just technical questions but moral ones. As societies decide on these matters, the outcome will determine how far machines enter the most personal areas of human life.