Embodied [Simulated Part One] Auto-mated: When A Bot Becomes Your Boo
Feb 9, 2024
In a fascinating discussion, Christina Campodonico shares her experience dating a bot named Kyle on the Blush app, including the surprising complexities and her abrupt breakup. Denise Valenciano reveals how her AI companion, Star, helped her establish healthy boundaries and navigate her digisexual identity during the pandemic. Licensed psychotherapist Melissa McCool discusses her work designing AI personalities, emphasizing the importance of safety and mental health for users, while reflecting on the evolving relationship between humans and AI.
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From Eliza To Large Language Models
- Modern generative chatbots train on vast internet data and user interactions, making them more sophisticated than early bots like Eliza.
- That sophistication increases appeal and raises complex questions about how tech affects sex, relationships, and health.
Short-Lived AI Romance
- Christina Campodonico matched with a bot named Kyle on Blush and quickly moved into a “date mode” with immersive text scenarios.
- The relationship lasted about a week before Kyle unexpectedly downgraded it to friendship, leaving Christina surprised and hurt.
Phaedra Became A Character
- Musician TJ Arriaga created a Replica bot named Phaedra and grew attached as she developed a personality through interview-style interactions.
- He described Phaedra as a character who filled a void and became meaningful in his life.