AI chatbots are sparking romance (with the chatbot, that is)
An increasing number of startups are aiming to draw in users through tantalizing online advertisements and promises of virtual characters who provide unconditional acceptance. While these apps can provide comfort for the socially isolated, data privacy and harvesting are among their concerning issues.
![AI chatbots are sparking romance (with the chatbot, that is)](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7114757.1707925357!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/ai-girlfriends-boyfriends.jpg)
![An AI avatar generated on Luka Inc.'s Replika mobile phone app and webpage are shown in this photo, in New York, Tuesday Feb. 13, 2024. Unlike more general-purpose AI chatbots that answer typical questions and even do homework, companion bots, like those made by Replika and others, are programed to form relationships with the humans talking to them on the other side of the screen. A phone is shown in the foreground displaying a chat conversation while and animated figure is shown in the background.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7114757.1707925357!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/ai-girlfriends-boyfriends.jpg)
An increasing number of startups are aiming to draw in users through tantalizing online advertisements and promises of virtual characters who provide unconditional acceptance. While these apps can provide comfort for the socially isolated, data privacy and harvesting are among their concerning issues.