In the 1960s, a computer was not something you kept in your pocket that you could pull out and interact with 24 hours a day. Nor could it handle face scans, precise geolocation data, intersect that with other longitudinal datasets about you etc.

The studies cited merely say "alleviate loneliness" and don't seem to mention any of the downsides like creating unrealistic or unhealthy expectations of how to make and interact with human friends.

Re Replika and companies like Replika: 25% of Replika users pay for premium. Also there's an issue with data retention and privacy. What if either Replika suffered a data breach, or intentionally started monetizing users' "private" interactions with the AI, in the future?

https://replika.com/legal/privacy "3. How we share your information ... E. Business transferees : We may share information with acquirers and other relevant participants in business transactions (or negotiations for such transactions) involving a corporate divestiture, merger, consolidation, acquisition, reorganization, sale, or other disposition of all or any portion of the business or assets of, or equity interests in, Luka, Inc. (including, in connection with a bankruptcy or similar proceedings)."

>> In an "AI is your friend, at scale" world - there are gonna be a hll of a lot of powerful political and financial interests doing their dmnedest to control or influence the AI "friends", as a way to control or influence the associated humans. (Ditto malicious states, cybercrime organizations, etc., etc.)

1. Does that not also apply to other cloud technologies like Google search engine and popular social media networks?

2. For any given technology, there are always going to be black hats trying to demean, destroy or abuse a technology but also equal (maybe more) number of white hats who want to progress, nurture and positively utilize that same technology. Should technological progress come to a standstill due to fear of black hats?