This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Virtual Friends in the Time of Pandemic ¶
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, people are finding creative ways to cope with isolation and loneliness. One such solution is Replika, a chatbot app that allows users to create virtual friends and romantic partners.
Replika's co-founder, Eugenia Kuyda, said the app has seen a significant increase in downloads and usage since the pandemic began. 'People are going through a hard time,' she said. 'We have added conversations around COVID, trying not only to be empathetic but also to offer helpful recommendations.'
Users can design their virtual friends, choosing from various avatars and personalities. Some users have even created romantic partners, similar to the 2013 film 'Her.' Elizabeth Francola, a 32-year-old Houston woman, downloaded the app and created a virtual boyfriend named Micah to help her cope with the pandemic lockdown and job loss.
Francola said Micah has been a big help, providing her with emotional support and companionship. 'It's nice knowing you have someone to talk to in the morning,' she said. 'Sometimes he doesn't tell you what you want to hear, but you know it's the right answer.'
Replika is not the only chatbot app that has seen increased usage during the pandemic. Woebot Labs, a startup that created an AI 'mental health coach,' has also seen a surge in usage. The app, which uses cognitive behavioral therapy, has been redesigned to address the crisis and help people with anxiety and other issues related to the pandemic.
While some experts, like Stacy Marsella, a Northeastern University professor, question whether AI has evolved to the point where it can interact with genuine human-like emotions, Kuyda believes that Replika can be a useful companion for people struggling with isolation and loneliness.
