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[Other] AI chatbots are being used for companionship. What to know before you try it

mashable.com AI chatbots are being used for companionship. What to know before you try it

The most important things to consider when designing an AI chatbot.

AI chatbots are being used for companionship. What to know before you try it

While AI companions created by generative artificial intelligence may offer a unique opportunity for consumers, the research on their effectiveness is still in its infancy. According to Michael S. A. Graziano, professor of neuroscience at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, a recent study on 70 Replika users found that they reported overwhelmingly positive interactions with their chatbots, which improved their social skills and self-esteem. However, Graziano cautions that this study only provides a snapshot of users' experiences and may be biased towards those who are intensely lonely. He is currently working on a longitudinal study to track the effects of AI companion interactions over time and notes that users' perceptions of a companion's humanlikeness can significantly impact their experience. Graziano's research highlights the need for further investigation into the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI companions.

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