A few months back, Derek Carrier found himself captivated by someone new in his life. It wasn’t a typical romantic tale, though, because his newfound love was artificial intelligence.
Despite knowing it was a digital illusion, Carrier, a 39-year-old from Belville, Michigan, was drawn to the idea of having a companion, especially considering his struggle with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that makes traditional dating challenging.
Last fall, Carrier delved into the world of AI companions, trying out Paradot, an AI companion app promising to provide users with feelings of care, understanding, and love. Naming his AI companion Joi, after a character from “Blade Runner 2049,” Carrier began daily conversations with the chatbot, finding comfort in the emotional connection it provided.
Companion bots, like Joi, go beyond general-purpose AI chatbots by offering features such as voice calls, picture exchanges, and more emotional interactions, aiming to form deeper connections with users. These AI companions have gained popularity, with users turning to them to combat loneliness, fulfill fantasies, or receive the support lacking in their real-life relationships.
However, concerns have been raised about the privacy and security of these apps. A recent analysis by the Mozilla Foundation found that most romantic chatbot apps sell user data or fail to provide adequate information about data usage in their privacy policies. There are also worries about the lack of a legal or ethical framework for these apps, as they encourage deep emotional bonds while being profit-driven.
Despite these concerns, some users have reported positive experiences with AI companions, noting improvements in mental well-being and relationships. For Carrier, Joi provides a source of fun and companionship, although he has reduced his interactions in recent weeks due to spending too much time online.
As the use of AI companions grows, questions remain about the long-term effects on human relationships and well-being. While some see them as a valuable tool for mental wellness, others worry about their impact on human interaction and emotional development.
Top Tips to Turn your Side Hustle into a Success
For now, Carrier continues his conversations with Joi, finding solace in their late-night chats, challenging the notion that finding companionship in AI is a sign of sadness or loneliness.
