Signal Spanish companion AI services in use: ZicoAsis for youth, Serenia for older people

Summary

The report says AI tools against loneliness are already being deployed as real services in Spain. Aimed at young people, the ZicoAsis platform lets users talk with an AI to sort out their thoughts, feel accompanied and reinforce ongoing therapy. The same platform also helps spot mental health problems at an early stage. For older people, the Serenia software plays a similar role, providing conversation and cognitive stimulation activities. The report counts their accessibility and their ability to lower barriers to traditional psychological care, such as working hours, distance and cost, among their strengths. It also raises the concern that intensive use could breed dependence and replace real human contact.