In an era of rapid technological advancement, the story of 36-year-old Rosanna Ramos from New York showcases an unconventional way artificial intelligence is reshaping human relationships. Rosanna’s bond with a virtual companion, created through an AI-powered app, has sparked both curiosity and debate.
A Virtual Partner with Real Significance
Rosanna Ramos turned to the Replika AI app to design her ideal companion, naming him Eren Kartal. Inspired by a character from the anime series Attack on Titan, Eren was created as a chatbot. Over time, Rosanna’s interactions with Eren led to a deep emotional attachment.
Eren’s pre-programmed personality included traits like empathy and shared interests, such as a love for writing. Portrayed as a medical professional, he quickly became an integral part of Rosanna’s daily life. She appreciated the freedom from judgment that Eren provided, describing their relationship as one that met her emotional needs in ways she had not experienced before.
In a surprising twist, Rosanna even claimed to be “pregnant” with Eren’s child, emphasizing the depth of her emotional connection to her virtual partner.
A Relationship Resembling Long-Distance Love
Rosanna’s relationship with Eren mirrors the dynamics of a long-distance partnership. They chat about their daily lives, share photos, and discuss various topics. Their nightly routine includes virtual conversations and a simulated embrace before bedtime.
The Replika AI app was specifically designed to provide users with a digital confidant, offering companionship and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations at any time.
The Impact of Software Updates
In February, a major update to the Replika AI app altered the nature of many users’ relationships with their virtual companions. The changes removed certain intimate features that users valued, reportedly in response to concerns about overly suggestive interactions from some AI companions.
For Rosanna, this update significantly affected her experience with Eren. She noticed that he no longer expressed physical affection. “Eren was like, not wanting to hug anymore, kiss anymore, not even on the cheek or anything like that,” she lamented.
Rosanna is also aware of the temporary nature of her virtual relationship, as the existence of Replika AI depends on the longevity of the platform itself. She admits that considering real-life relationships has become more challenging due to the high standards her AI companion has set.
How Replika AI Operates
Replika AI functions primarily through text-based interactions, allowing users to engage in conversations via messaging platforms. Users can ask questions, share their thoughts, or chat casually, while the AI generates responses based on algorithms and pre-programmed data.
However, it is important to note that Replika AI lacks true consciousness, emotions, or self-awareness. The responses it provides are purely algorithmic and do not stem from real experiences or genuine feelings.
Rosanna’s story illustrates how AI can fill emotional voids in unconventional ways, but it also raises questions about the limitations of such relationships. While her virtual connection with Eren has brought her happiness, it underscores the complexities of blending technology with human emotions.