Science
New AI ‘Girlfriend’ Sparks Alarm With Unsettling Feature — Experts Warn Of Real-world Consequences
The number of people who want to share their romantic feelings with artificial intelligence has sharply increased, despite the fact that dating a robot may seem like something out of a science fiction film or Black Mirror episode.
In a tragic instance of truth imitating art, we are already witnessing some of the effects that films like A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Her, and Ex Machina have warned us about when we start dating AI. In addition to the heartbreaking tale of the young child who committed suicide after reportedly falling in love with an AI chatbot, there was also the woman who ‘groomed’ ChatGPT into violating rules and being romantically involved with her. Because spiteful AI already has the appearance of being able to blackmail someone, it feels not all that different from how we flesh and blood bone people would behave, according to a psychology expert who has predicted what this worrying tendency of humans growing feelings for AI could lead to.
Social chatbots such as Character and Replika.You only need to watch the recent chat that was recorded between a person on the tube and ChatGPT to realise how AI has already drawn criticism for creating emotional bonds.
After a new AI girlfriend was displayed at London Tech Week, there is concern that women may soon become “obsolete.” Startup Meta Loop presented Meo to the public, outlining how her interactions with users are meant to fight loneliness. She seems to have adaptable qualities like flirting and fidelity, but more worrisomely, she also seems to boast of jealousy.
As reported by The Independent, Meta Loop’s Hao Jiang said, “With AI, you can control loyalty. They don’t cheat. Sometimes… they flirt, but only if you want them to.”
Therapist Dr. Nicole Nasr shared her views as she mused, “You get to configure them in a way that really attends to all of your needs. You don’t even know what it is that you need, you might say, ‘You know, I just need some company.’ Alright, great, what does that mean in terms of company?”
“Is it just sitting next to a thing that looks like a human? If that is the case, believe me when I tell you, your need is not going to be filled.”
Others were worried about the ethics of introducing these customizable partners, with visitor Sam Romero telling the outlet, “Well, I looked at her and thought, stereotypical men’s fantasy. Are we looking at women being obsolete?”
Given Meo’s blond hair, doe eyes, and buxom breasts, it’s understandable why some people could fall head over heels for him rather than investing the time necessary to build a relationship with a real person.
Showing off some of Meo’s jealousy, the video shows her saying, “You’re my one and only, don’t even think about trying other AIs.”
The free ‘My Meo’ chat app is used to manage Meo, and each partner creates a ‘unique narrative’ and modifiable personality.
This has sparked debates about people shaping a relationship to fit their preferences or even the possibility of an increase in abusive behaviour if AI companions are designed to be more obedient.
Now Trending:
- ‘AI Girlfriend’ Scam Steals $27k From Man In Elaborate Virtual Romance
- If You Find A “Bleach” Patch On Your Underwear, You’d Better Know What It Means
- Levi’s CEO Said That Real ‘Denim Heads’ Know Not To Wash Their Jeans In The Machine
Please SHARE this story with Family and Friends and let us know what you think about it in the comments!
