The better partner? In love with a bot

▤ Summary

The article examines the rise of AI companion chatbots such as Replika and the emotional relationships some users build with them. It explains how these systems mimic human conversation and can become important to people seeking constant availability, support, or intimacy. The piece also highlights research showing that users often treat the bots like real relationship partners, even while knowing they are software. It raises concerns about control, moderation, youth protection, and the dependence of users on decisions made by the companies behind the platforms.

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