A significant part of many people’s lives is spent socialising and communicating via apps. For
those who opt to interact with a virtual person rather than an actual human, there are companies bridging the gap.
Replika
Replika is an AI powered chatbot, created by software developer, Eugenia Kuyda. It was created to offer people a digital friend. It has been engineered to grow with a person and always be there for them . Two million people have already downloaded the Replika app,which simulates conversations using a sequence to sequence deep learning model that mimics human conversations.
Above: Meet Replika
Xiaoice is an advanced natural language chat-bot developed by Microsoft for Chinese consumers. Xiaoice (pronounced SHAO-ICE) is reportedly keeping thousands of lonely people company. People can add her as a friend on several major Chinese social networking services. She can hold lengthy conversations and evolves through learnt responses and conversations with different people. Microsoft has started allowing the chat bot to call people on their phones.
Above: Xiaoice calling a user
Love Plus+
Love Plus+ is a dating simulation game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console. It simulates the experience of being in a relationship. Created in 2009, several updates and sequels have followed, including one for iOS in 2011. It has not been released outside Japan. Love Plus+ is the story of three high school girls – Manaka, Rinko and Nene – and you, the player. After transferring to the school for your second year of high school, you meet each of the girls in some aspect of your daily life.
Above: Digital Love
By: Tshepo Narvis
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Image credit: Next Nature AND Replika Medium AND Digital Trends AND 20 Minutes
Image credit: Replika AI AND Tom Warren AND Vocativ
