This Week in Startups

How AI companions can help solve loneliness with Replika’s Eugenia Kuyda | E1758

Jun 7, 2023

Eugenia Kuyda, Co-founder and CEO of Replika, discusses her journey in creating AI companions to address loneliness. She explores how users form emotional connections with AI, coping with grief, and the innovative features of Replika, including its newest chatbot, Blush. Kuyda delves into the unique dynamics of friendships and romances facilitated by AI, the evolving role of conversational tech, and the potential for these companions to provide genuine support and connection in our daily lives.

01:06:47

Creator website

Episode guests

Eugenia Kuyda

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

AI Companions and Emotional Connections

7min

Navigating Loneliness and Product Development in the Age of AI

6min

Connection Dynamics in AI Companionship

6min

Empowering Startups with AI Innovations from Microsoft

2min

Navigating Loneliness through Conversational AI

11min

The Evolution of Conversational AI and Human Connection

5min

The Evolution of AI Companionship

17min

The Future of AI Companions in Daily Life

3min

10.

The Heart of Friendship and Connection

5min

11.

Exploring the Intersection of AI Companions and Mental Health

3min

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Today’s show:

Replika Co-Founder and CEO Eugenia Kuyda breaks down her startup’s origin story and purpose (1:43), the relationships users have with its AI chatbot (10:21), the potential of AI therapists, Replika’s new chatbot Blush, and more! (35:10)

Follow Eugenia: https://twitter.com/ekuyda

Check Out Replika: https://replika.ai/

Time stamps:

(0:00) Eugenia joins Jason

(1:43) Replika’s origin story

(8:54) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist

(10:21) Replika’s purpose and their current user base

(16:21) Relationships within the app

(20:25) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

(21:58) Creating happiness with AI

(26:26) Avoiding addiction

(29:25) Demographics within the AI field