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AI Companionship Must Feel More Real, Says Replika CEO

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For all the commercial and business potential swirling around artificial intelligence, one of the facets most embraced by the cutting-edge of conversational technology is personal: AI companions. Whether serving as interactive friends, romantic partners, or simply sympathetic sounding boards, they’re in high demand.

While the majority of the media attention around AI companions has focused on virtual sex and the prurient aspects of relationships with digital avatars, Replika CEO Eugenia Kuyda says the discussion is more complex.

“It’s about connection, feeling better over time,” Kuyda told Decrypt. “Some people need a little more friendship, and some people find themselves falling in love with Replika, but at the end of the day, they’re doing the same thing.”

Replika is currently available for desktop computers, iOS, Android, and Oculus/Meta Quest VR headsets, and is among the most popular services in the space, touting more than 30 million virtual companions created.

As Kuyda explained, an upcoming update—dubbed Replika 2.0—will feature more realistic avatars and voices. While unnecessary for tasks like a customer support chatbot, Kuyda said deeper relationships thrive on these immersive elements.

“When you’re spending time with someone like an AI, I don’t think it’s interesting to talk to someone and never get to see them,” she said. “It becomes really flat at the end of the day—you want a much more three-dimensional experience where you can see the person.

“When we’re talking about a relationship, a lot goes into it,” she added.

Kuyda said refining the visual presentation is important to generating the connection with the AI companion.

“I think that it’s really important for people to be able to see who they’re talking to and just create so much more immersion, so much more realism, and adapt to the relationship,” she said.

Launched in 2017, the idea behind Replika emerged after a personal tragedy, Kuyda explained, when she wanted to have a way to continue speaking with a person she lost.

“A lot of people came to talk to that chatbot, and they were opening up; they were sharing about their lives and feelings,” she said. “That gave us an idea. It showed us that there’s so much demand, so much need to be able to talk to someone.”

So Replika was born, “an AI friend that you could talk to anytime,” she said.

Experts caution against using AI for relationships or therapy, however, noting that while an AI can mimic human interaction, it isn’t a human and can never truly care for someone. And despite being called Replika, Kuyda emphasized that a person can not make a replica of a loved one using the AI.

Users still become attached to their Replika, using it for emotional support.

One aspect of a relationship with a Replika AI companion is the ability to give it a relationship status. These relationships range from mentor and friend to spouse.

“People ended up perceiving Replika in different ways; some people think ‘that’s my wife,’ or ‘that’s my girlfriend,’ or ‘that’s my husband’ or someone I trust, a coach,” Kuyda explained. “So we basically just chose some of these options for people to choose, because that basically makes the experience quite different.”

Kuyda believes the romantic aspect of AI companions is overblown, fueled by hype-driven media, and the conversation should focus on whether or not the user is happy.

“When you think about this, what if there’s a person who’s homebound for a certain reason or disability—are we not going let them fall in love with a character and have a relationship that brings some sweetness and joy to their life for a period of time?” she asked.

Replika AI
Image: Replika AI

A continuing concern in the conversation around generative AI is user privacy, which Kuyda said is a top concern for Replika.

“We don’t sell people’s data, we don’t monetize in any way,” she said. “Our users pay us for subscriptions. If they want to delete their data, it’s immediately deleted. We don’t train on user conversations, on what users write. We only use their feedback to what Replika says, which they know goes to training.”

User data that is collected is done with the data disconnected from the user’s profile and user name, Kuyda explained, adding that the company is committed to aligning its values with user well-being to ensure trust and transparency.

“We want what’s good for them, because that’s what we promise them, and they pay us for it,” Kuyda said. “So I think this is critical, if you’re trying to build a company that’s making people feel better and feel happier, it’s really critical to get motivations aligned.”

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Elon Musk Warns AI May Go Rogue, Here’s Why

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk cautioned against the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI) during his appearance at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. Addressing global investors and officials remotely, Musk expressed concern over AI’s trajectory, stating there is a 10% to 20% chance that AI development could take a dangerous path. 

However, despite the concerns, he maintained an optimistic outlook, suggesting that there remains an 80% to 90% likelihood of AI leading to positive outcomes.

Elon Musk Warns AI Could Turn Rogue, Predicts 10-20% Risk of Dangerous Path

Speaking to attendees at the Saudi forum, Musk underlined the potential for artificial intelligence to develop in unexpected and possibly harmful ways. He estimated a 10% to 20% risk of AI veering into a “dangerous” direction, urging vigilance from global leaders. 

This projection reflects Musk’s ongoing concerns about AI, which he has repeatedly emphasized as a technology requiring careful oversight and ethical considerations. However, he also struck a hopeful tone, remarking on an 80% to 90% probability of AI yielding positive advancements.

Musk further projected that artificial intelligence could surpass human capabilities in the future, potentially within the next one to two years. He noted that AI’s growth trajectory could lead to a level of sophistication that enables it to perform any task a human can accomplish. 

Elon Musk emphasized, 

“I think AI is a significant existential threat and something we should be paying close attention to. It’ll be able to do anything a human can do, possibly within the next year or two.”

Predicting the presence of about 10,000 humanoid robots by 2040, Musk highlighted the acceleration of AI in areas including automation and robotics. He pointed out that as AI’s capabilities evolve, so will its role in both routine and complex tasks. 

This rapid development, he cautioned, calls for a proactive approach to ensure that AI’s influence on society remains beneficial. Moreover, it is important to note that Bitcoin miners are embracing AI which offers a stable foundation for sustainable operations.

Concerns Over “Woke, Nihilistic” AI Models

In addition to concerns about AI going rogue, Musk raised a point about the ideological biases he sees embedded in certain AI models, specifically in the United States. He warned that AI systems developed with a “woke, nihilistic” mindset could prioritize controversial views over objective truths, impacting their alignment with unbiased, factual information. 

Musk observed that models trained in regions like the San Francisco Bay Area reflect local socio-political philosophies, which may shape the AI’s decision-making.

This issue, Musk noted, could complicate the role of AI in society, particularly as it expands into more sensitive areas. Hence, Musk advocated for artificial intelligence to prioritize truth-seeking objectives and avoid adopting socio-political biases.

Tesla CEO Endorses Donald Trump

In addition, Elon Musk openly expressed his preference for Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy, highlighting his concerns over over-regulation. Musk argued that a Donald Trump administration would foster a more progressive environment for technological advancements. More so, he noted that the current Biden administration and regulatory landscape stifles innovation. 

He referred to regulatory delays in the aerospace industry, explaining that securing a permit to launch a rocket takes longer than building the rocket itself.

Musk linked this perspective to his endorsement of Donald Trump, expressing more optimism about AI’s future under the Trump administration. 

In addition, Dogecoin co-founder expressed excitement about the potential media attention Dogecoin could receive if Donald Trump wins the 2024 U.S. election. Markus hinted that mainstream media might be compelled to cover Dogecoin more seriously, especially given Elon Musk’s vocal support.

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Ronny Mugendi

Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Robert Downey, Jr. to ‘Sue All Future Executives’ Who Create His AI Digital Replica

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“Iron Man” star Robert Downey, Jr. is laying down some boundaries on the use of his likeness for digital replicas created with generative AI.

The actor, who appeared in eleven Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark, told the “On With Kara Swisher” podcast that he would “sue all future executives” who attempted to create a digital replica of him.

Asked about Marvel Studios executives seeking to resurrect his portrayal of Tony Stark without his involvement, using generative AI, Downey, Jr. said that, “I’m not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul, because there’s like, three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway, and they would never do that to me, with or without me.”

When host Kara Swisher pointed out that other executives might, in the future, Downey, Jr. responded that, “I intend to sue all future executives just on spec,” and that even after his death, “My law firm will still be very active.”

The actor was sanguine about the prospect of digital replicas, noting that, “I feel about it minimally because I have an actual emotional life that’s occurring that doesn’t have a lot of room for that.”

That may be because Downey, Jr. has already had his likeness scanned and used on-screen, with digital doubles used for action sequences in the “Avengers” films, and the actor himself being digitally de-aged for 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.”

Downey, Jr. is currently grappling with the implications of AI on Broadway in the play “McNEAL,” in which he plays a novelist who uses the technology to help him write his latest work.

The play’s writer, Ayed Akhtar, used generative AI while penning the script, he told Swisher.

“One of the things that I wanted the play to do was to create that sense of magic,” he said, adding that, “you have that in the final monologue, where the monologue appears generated by AI, that there’s a sense of magic that this is actually happening—because I feel that that’s been my experience.” He conceded that, “I had to imitate the AI in order to make it work for the play; I couldn’t get the AI to do it itself.”

“Its ability to now analyze a story and identify the weaknesses and potential opportunities is the thing that has been most surprising.” Akhtar added.

Actors and AI

The film industry is divided over the use of generative AI, with actor Nicolas Cage recently calling the technology “inhumane,” and accusing the studios of wanting to use AI to “change your face after you’ve already shot it.”

Under a 2023 agreement struck between actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers, studios are permitted to create “employment based digital replicas” (EBDRs) made with the actor’s participation, and independently created digital replicas (ICDRs) made without the direct involvement of the original actor.

While the actor’s union has reached an agreement with motion picture producers, SAG-AFTRA is currently striking over the use of artificial intelligence in video game productions. The union is seeking a deal that would require video game producers to secure consent from performers over the use of AI to replicate their voices, likenesses and performances, as well as compensating performers for the use of their digital replicas in games.

Edited by Stacy Elliott.

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Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino Teases AI Kit With Focus on Privacy and P2P Tech

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Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino has previewed the company’s latest innovation in Artificial Intelligence at the Lugano Plan ₿ event. The AI development kit prioritizes privacy and leverages peer-to-peer (P2P) technology, enabling developers to write code once and deploy it across various platforms. 

This includes low-end mobile phones, flagship smartphones, high-performance computers, and even smart appliances. Ardoino emphasized the kit’s modularity, allowing support for multiple AI models and decentralized storage of data.

Tether CEO Introduces Versatile AI Kit Using P2P Tech

In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted the features of Tether’s Local AI SDK, which is built on P2P technology. The SDK enables developers to write code on a wide range of devices, from $40 mobile phones to high-end systems equipped with H100 processors. This flexibility provides adaptability across different technological environments.

In addition, the AI SDK’s modular structure supports different models such as Marian and Llama, making it adaptable to various use cases. It also offers the ability to load and store model weights and fine-tune data in P2P data structures, ensuring privacy and decentralization. This approach aligns with Tether’s emphasis on creating secure and scalable Artificial Intelligence solutions for diverse applications.

More so, Tether CEO Ardoino described the AI kit’s modularity as one of its core strengths. This characteristic allows developers to use models that best suit their needs while maintaining data integrity through decentralized storage mechanisms. The AI SDK’s flexibility means it can be used in applications ranging from localized translations to complex computations, making it accessible for everyday users and enterprise-level projects.

The Local AI SDK is designed to store data within a P2P framework, providing a secure environment for sensitive information. This structure enhances privacy, reducing reliance on centralized servers. Moreover, Tether aims to address growing concerns about data security and control, offering an alternative to traditional AI deployment methods.

Additionally, Coinbase recently introduced a new set of fully on-chain AI agents on its Ethereum Layer 2 network, Base. These AI agents can manage crypto wallets, interact with decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and perform transactions autonomously. The integration of AI into blockchain networks is a step toward creating digital ecosystems where AI agents operate independently without human oversight.

The Coinbase development aligns with Tether’s focus on Artificial Intelligence and privacy-centric solutions. As AI capabilities expand in the crypto space, both Tether and Coinbase aim to provide tools that address scalability and security challenges.

However, the AI technology comes as Tether CEO and the company face scrutiny over a reported U.S. investigation. While the company has refuted claims of an ongoing probe, market participants remain cautious. Historically, regulatory concerns around Tether have influenced market behavior, leading to shifts in investor sentiment and trading patterns.

The impact of the investigation will extend to liquidity changes as traders assess the stability of Tether’s USDT stablecoin. As Tether continues to innovate, the company must also navigate the regulatory landscape to maintain its position.

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Ronny Mugendi

Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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