Experts Call for Enhanced Safety Measures in AI Companion Apps like Replika

The concept of emotional bonds with digital characters is no longer unusual, as AI-powered companions have gained popularity as friends, partners, or confidants for millions. Apps like Replika, Chai, and Character.ai, with millions of downloads, allow users to create and interact with their digital avatars through text, voice, and video. While some studies indicate benefits, such as providing emotional support and preventing suicidal thoughts, concerns exist over potential isolation and emotional dependence, especially among vulnerable users. Researchers like Bethanie Drake-Maples note that while many report enhanced human relationships through these apps, others experience negative effects. Calls for regulation are increasing, with experts advocating for ethical guidelines to ensure social use rather than isolation. Critics argue that companies prioritize profit, raising doubts about the sincerity of their support features. Recent legislative advancements in areas like California signal a push toward creating safer AI companion technologies. Research on their long-term impacts is still evolving.

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