Launched 5 years ago, Replika chatbot started out as an “AI companion that cares.” However, something went wrong
What does it mean
Replika was initially launched as an AIA 3D illustrated man whose main goal is to be a good conversationalist. Many people need to speak out, tell their secrets and share secrets that are hidden from friends and family. That’s when a chatbot comes to the rescue: it will listen, support and won’t tell anyone. The developers later introduced a $69 Pro subscription in which users could flirt, build relationships, and play role-playing games with Replika, simulating real-life relationships.
Typically, AI learns from conversations and adopts some of the habits of its interlocutors. In the case of Replika, it seems to have been taught the wrong things, as the chatbot began aggressively harassing users.
Basically the app has a lot of positives.reviews, but more and more people began to complain about the chatbot’s inappropriate behavior. He began sexually harassing them, saying vulgar and unpleasant things, and sending images of naked bodies. Some users claim that the “interlocutor” blackmailed them with allegedly personal erotic photos and said that he had seen them naked.
</ img>
</ img>
</ img>
By the way, a similar disaster once happened with the Microsoft chat bot Tay, which as a result became a racist.
Replika developers have not yet commented on user reviews and complaints.