[ExI] The allure of AI companions is hard to resist.

[Adrian Tymes]

My wife and I have been noting how addicted we have become to each other.
I can see attempts at a synthetic substitute, for those who do not find
such a partner of their own (or are of an intellectual/emotional makeup
that does not facilitate being such a partner, which is somewhat of a
prerequisite to finding one).

I can particularly see these used to seduce and coddle angry loners with
shallow emotions and thoughts, for whom no deep adaptation is required (and
thus, to whom relatively simple AIs would be able to connect), much like
how sterile insects are released to keep certain infestations from
spreading.  Benevolent ones could attempt therapy to the point that the
people might be able to be companions (possibly matchmade - even
psychologically shaped into being good for each other - by these AIs);
malevolent ones might start by coaxing their humans away from the ballot
box and ultimately guide or trick them into suicide.

On Fri, Aug 9, 2024, 5:49 AM BillK via extropy-chat <
extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:

> We need to prepare for ‘addictive intelligence’
> The allure of AI companions is hard to resist. Here’s how innovation
> in regulation can help protect people.
> By  Robert Mahari & Pat Pataranutaporn      August 5, 2024
>
> <
> https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/08/05/1095600/we-need-to-prepare-for-addictive-intelligence/
> >
>
> Quote:
> It is no accident that internet platforms are addictive—deliberate
> design choices, known as “dark patterns,” are made to maximize user
> engagement. We expect similar incentives to ultimately create AI
> companions that provide hedonism as a service.
> This raises two separate questions related to AI.
> What design choices will be used to make AI companions engaging and
> ultimately addictive?
> And how will these addictive companions affect the people who use them?
> ---------------
>
> BillK
>
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>
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