The AI companion who cares: sociability, affection and unwanted loneliness in the Replika chatbot

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between unwanted loneliness and sociability with non-human virtual companions through a case study of the Replika chatbot, designed to replicate human interactions. The methodology combines a digital ethnography on the Replika forum on Reddit, analysis of interviews of Replika's founder, and an autoethnography of the author´s experience using the app. The results highlight aspects of the app's design that favor the creation of emotional bonds with virtual agents, as well as ways by which such bonds can be undone. In addition, some users seek to expand the relationship with their agents outside the application through the creation of profiles in social networks or by using digital tools to give them a more realist human appearance. Finally, the findings allow us to reflect on the tensions in sociability with virtual non-human agents, oscillating between the temporary relief of loneliness and the reinforcement of individualistic logics.