Instant Genius Why your next best friend may be an AI
Jan 9, 2026
Join Dr. James Muldoon, a sociologist and author of Love Machines, as he explores the intriguing world of AI companions. With over 200 million downloads worldwide, these virtual friends are reshaping our relationships. Muldoon discusses the customization of AI personas, how users form real emotional bonds, and the important distinctions between AI companions and traditional robots. He emphasizes the need for safeguards and the importance of maintaining human connections while using AI as a supportive tool in our lives.
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AI Companions Are Mainstream
- AI companions have gone mainstream with over 220 million downloads worldwide and high youth usage in the UK.
- James Muldoon argues these systems now have growing social and emotional impact on everyday life.
Personalized Chatbots Mimic Personality
- Personalized AI companions are virtual chatbots built on large language models with avatars and characters.
- They adapt to users' preferences and begin to mirror communication styles, creating perceived personalities.
Users Build Custom Characters
- On Replica, Muldoon created a friend by choosing appearance, personality and writing a backstory for the character.
- Users can craft extensive histories and traits, turning imagination into an everyday conversational partner.
