Track Me, Baby
Welcome
For some reason, I came across several stories this month on AI Girlfriend apps. OK, I guess I know the reason: Valentine's Day.
Dear Reader,
For some reason, I came across several stories this month on AI Girlfriend apps [1]. OK, I guess I know the reason: Valentine's Day. (FYI: I write this column 1-2 months before you read it.) Programs that attempt to simulate an emotional connection with the user have been around for years, starting with the ELIZA mock therapist app, which was developed in the mid-1960s. But as you can imagine, these romantic chatbots have gotten much more realistic with the recent breakthroughs in generative AI.
It is important to write about this new industry without appearing to judge. I personally prefer humans – and the fact that this statement sounds vaguely sardonic is not due to my intention but is merely a reflection of how strange this topic is. But I can imagine that this technology would be of comfort to someone who is shy or isolated or who, for whatever reason, is unable to participate in the wild and chaotic world of conventional romance. I can also imagine that a romantic chatbot might simply be a personal preference for some users, and whoever makes this choice certainly doesn't owe me or anyone an explanation.
[...]
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