Should We Be Worried About Romance With AI?

There are now multiple platforms where users can develop relationships with AI avatars. A new column has examined whether this trend will enforce harmful behaviours and create unrealistic expectations for human relationships.

A new article from The Guardian outlines the issues that may arise from relationships with AI partners. Eva AI and Replika are examples of platforms where users can create and customise their own virtual partner based on their preferences.

“Creating a perfect partner that you control and meets your every need is really frightening”, Tara Hunter told The Guardian. Hunter is the CEO for Full Stop Australia, which supports victims of domestic or family violence. 

“Given what we know already that the drivers of gender-based violence are those ingrained cultural beliefs that men can control women, that is really problematic”, she explained. 

Clearly one worry is that these platforms are encouraging unhealthy dynamics between men and women. Not only can users dictate the relationship with their AI avatar, but they also feel some entitlement to sexual behaviour with these virtual partners.

The Guardian shared that the developers of Replika removed the erotic roleplay function from the platform, which many users were unhappy with. The developers ultimately restored the function after users were reported to be experiencing “anger, grief, anxiety, despair, depression, [and] sadness” at the change.

Rob Brooks, a professor at the University of New South Wales, posed the question: “Is it acceptable for a company to suddenly change such a product, causing the friendship, love or support to evaporate? Or do we expect users to treat artificial intimacy like the real thing: something that could break your heart at anytime?”.

However, it is important to note that these platforms have been somewhat proactive in addressing issues. Representatives of Eva AI shared that they conduct large-scale surveys of users on a regular basis in order to ensure the product is not having a negative impact on their mental health. 

While it may be easy to scoff at virtual relationships, it is certainly no joke that the loneliness epidemic is a serious issue. These relationships may have their downsides, but are they worth it if they help provide some companionship to otherwise isolated individuals? 

The answer to that question may be an area of contention that society will have to deal with, sooner rather than later.