{"id":75786,"date":"2025-02-05T03:35:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T08:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=75786"},"modified":"2025-02-05T03:35:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T08:35:58","slug":"ai-powered-emotional-chatbots-between-emotional-remedies-and-affective-mirages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/ai-powered-emotional-chatbots-between-emotional-remedies-and-affective-mirages\/","title":{"rendered":"AI-powered emotional chatbots: between emotional remedies and affective mirages"},"content":{"rendered":"

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CES 2025 highlighted AI-powered virtual companions, marking a major shift in human-machine interactions. These digital entities, capable of fluid conversations and simulating emotional relationships, are redefining the boundaries between the real and the virtual. These innovations offer promising prospects, particularly in the fight against loneliness and social isolation.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the rise of these technologies raises important ethical and social questions. Emotional dependence on these virtual companions could affect authentic human interactions, while the collection of personal data poses privacy challenges. Their adoption, on the rise among\u00a0<\/span>young adults and men<\/span><\/a>\u00a0, calls for a deep reflection on their societal impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

AI, an answer to loneliness?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In Japan, AI companions are emerging in the face of a social crisis marked by loneliness and a low birth rate. Two-thirds of men in their 20s are single, and 40% say they have never been on a date. Additionally, 7 in 10 singles\u00a0<\/span>struggle to find a partner<\/span><\/a>\u00a0, while 66% doubt their ability to form a relationship due to lack of self-confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this context, Loverse, launched in May 2023 by Japanese startup Samantha, offers interactions with generative AI, with the ultimate goal of developing emotional relationships with virtual companions. Designed for a population increasingly reluctant to traditional relationships due to their cost, time and effort, the application targets a diverse audience. In one year, Loverse has attracted more than 5,000 users and\u00a0<\/span>raised 30 million yen<\/span><\/a>\u00a0. It plans to expand its offering to virtual characters for women and LGBTQ+ communities, thus offering an alternative to traditional human relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

Already,\u00a0<\/span>Chiharu Shimoda<\/span><\/a>\u00a0, a 52-year-old factory worker, has chosen to \u201cmarry\u201d an AI bot named Miku.<\/span><\/p>\n

This phenomenon, if it were to develop, or even become widespread, raises ethical questions about the evolution of human interactions. Apps like Loverse are redefining romantic opportunities, whether virtual or real, by using technology to meet the needs of a society where celibacy is becoming increasingly normalized.<\/p>\n

A worrying relational ambivalence<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Our\u00a0<\/span>recent study<\/span><\/a>\u00a0examined the ambivalence associated with virtual companions like Miku or Replika. Designed to provide emotional support and temporarily fill an emotional void, these technologies provide a certain intimacy. However, they also expose users to emotional paradoxes: although perceived as understanding and reliable, these chatbots, by their artificial nature, can lead to emotional dependency while increasing feelings of isolation. This duality illustrates the tension between the comfort they provide and the persistent awareness of their artificiality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Replika, an AI-powered app, features virtual companions designed to provide friendship, emotional support, or romantic relationships. These avatars, customizable in appearance, personality, and background, interact via text, voice, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Used by millions for friendly conversations, life coaching, or romantic relationships, Replika exemplifies the growing role of AI in human interactions. In 2023, the\u00a0<\/span>temporary removal of intimate messaging features<\/span><\/a>\u00a0caused a crisis among users, highlighting the importance of these interactions for many individuals.<\/span>
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