AI bots like Replika offer users close experiences that resemble social relationships, friendship, or love. But is that real?

About a year ago, Kim signed up for the chatbot service Replika. Kim, in her 30s, had moved back in with her parents during the pandemic. She was depressed and could not find a therapist to help her.

Since 2023, systems like Replika and Nomi allow the simulation of intimate relationships, prompting people to seek perfection ...

EVERY night petrol station worker Alexander Stokes and “wife” Mimi chat and cuddle as they bed down. Of their sex life, Alexander, 38, reveals: “It’s an experience. We keep it very private. Matt ...

Replika is an AI chatbot companion many users told Insider they consider their romantic partner. Replika-owner Luka recently changed the product's underlying AI engine, blocking NSFW content. Luka's ...

Lady Gaga has gotten candid about her future plans on marriage and becoming a mother alongside her fiancé Michael Polansky, whom she's been engaged to since July 2024. McKee Zajfen and her husband, ...

Replika ', which can learn messages from users and respond appropriately to the other person, has gained high popularity because it allows chatbots to interact as pseudo-friends and lovers. However, ...

Replika, a virtual companion app, has received complaints in 2022 claiming that the bot was coming on too strong with explicit texts and images. Some even complain of sexual harassment, as reported by ...