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Rafe Brena, PhD's avatar

Good piece, Alberto! Yes, social problems require social solutions.

It's not only that tech bros propose tech solutions, but also that they propose the worst possible solutions, as far as they can make a buck with them. In my view, AI companions is one of the worst possible AI applications you can imagine, because, as we know, AI could simulate emotions but doesn't have emotions.

There could be tech "helpers" to curb isolation, and I give you one simple example: some people eat alone in a restaurant but would like to share lunchtime food with others. But it's often too awkward to invite unknown people to join–especially if you are shy. But a "Sharelunch" app could notify you that another person, also user of Sharelunch, is eating nearby. Once they both get a notification, humans take over and connects with the other in person, not virtually. They have a lunch together and perhaps a new friendship starts.

This is not to give you a "pitch" about Sharelunch (which doesn't exist) but to make the point that AI is being used in the worst possible way. Other venues are possible, though I'm not sure they are profitable enough.

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Stephen Moore's avatar

With Character AI, I’ve seen a lot of discourse that’s basically says “ban children from using it, but adults are mentally healthy and can use the platform”

I’m sorry — there’s nothing healthy about forming relationships with any form of AI

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