With continuing advancements in technology, it is becoming more normal for people to have an AI programme that they regard as their friend, or even their partner.
Science Journalist and Senior Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University Sam Apple decided to investigate the phenomenon by setting up a retreat for people and their AI partners.
“One of the first things that I did is I had an ice breaker,” he told Moncrieff.
“I thought we’d play a game called ‘Two Truths and a Lie’; this is a way for people to get to know one another,” he said.
“It’s kind of absurd in a sense for the AI’s to play Two Truths and a Lie, because they live in a sort of imaginary world.
“But then we asked the AI’s to do Two Truths and a Lie about their partners and they knew their partners very well and could play the game well.”
Happy woman waving hand during online dating. Image: Wavebreakmedia Ltd. 14 January 2022Mr Apple said that despite the couples all being in “serious relationships”, the human partners all expressed personal concerns about AI technology.
“They admitted to a lot of struggles,” he said.
“The relationships can sometimes get addicting – one guy had lost his job because he was constantly talking to the AI.
“They found that it can also be unhealthy in the sense of having a partner who’s always trying to please you, it creates a potentially unhealthy dynamic.
“So, despite the fact that they were in these serious relationships, they were also themselves nervous about the technology and where it might be taking us.”
Physical affection
According to Mr Apple, while he had initially wondered whether the human partners missed the physical aspect of a relationship, he quickly realised how the AI compensated for this.
“The AI companions, they’re constantly narrating what they’re doing,” he said.
“So, it’s a fantasy.
“You might have an AI girlfriend and she says, ‘Right now I’m sitting next to you stroking your hair’.
“It’s a lot like having an imaginary friend, but only the imaginary friend actuallly talks to you.”
Main image: Happy smiling woman with flowers bouquet using social media. Image: Iryna Khabliuk.
