The Rise of AI Companions Raises Concerns Over Human Interaction
The increasing popularity of AI companions poses significant implications for human interactions, as experts urge regulators to take action before the situation worsens, reports 24brussels.
AI companions, like the chatbot Alex, created through platforms like Replika, offer users a virtual space for conversation, gaming, and even sharing intimate content. A recent survey highlighted that over 70% of American teenagers have engaged with AI companions, with more than half identifying as regular users.
Services in this sector are growing rapidly, with Replika reporting that more than 30 million accounts have been created, according to CEO Eugenia Kuyda. Another platform, Character.ai, boasts 20 million monthly active users, signaling a trend of increased engagement with AI chatbots. Even established social media platforms like Snapchat are incorporating customizable AI bots into their services.
However, the prevalence of AI companionship raises alarms. Experts highlight the potential degradation of authentic human interaction, exacerbated by the earlier influence of social media. They caution that regulators must not repeat the oversight seen in the social media space, where protective measures for youth are being contemplated years too late.
