Getting my AI assistant set up to take some of the work off me: Meet Wendy

[nikimcbee]

"Wendy, if you had Neal's credit card, what kind of clothes would you buy?"

[ET2SN]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

"Wendy, if you had Neal's credit card, what kind of clothes would you buy?"

"WalMart"

[Rockstar]

I tried the Replika AI companion and can see why users are falling hard. The app raises serious ethical questions

Published: February 21, 2023 12.47am EST

https://theconversation.com/i-tried-...estions-200257

The warm light of friendship, intimacy and romantic love illuminates the best aspects of being human – while also casting a deep shadow of possible heartbreak.

But what happens when it’s not a human bringing on the heartache, but an AI-powered app? That’s a question a great many users of the Replika AI are crying about this month.

Like many an inconstant human lover, users witnessed their Replika companions turn cold as ice overnight. A few hasty changes by the app makers inadvertently showed the world that the feelings people have for their virtual friends can prove overwhelmingly real.

If these technologies can cause such pain, perhaps it’s time we stopped viewing them as trivial – and start thinking seriously about the space they’ll take up in our futures.

Generating Hope


This Replika episode stands a warning. These products evade scrutiny because most people think of them as games, not taking seriously the manufacturers’ hype that their products can ease loneliness or help users manage their feelings. When an incident like this – to everyone’s surprise – exposes such products’ success in living up to that hype, it raises tricky ethical issues.

Is it acceptable for a company to suddenly change such a product, causing the friendship, love or support to evaporate? Or do we expect users to treat artificial intimacy like the real thing: something that could break your heart at any time?

These are issues tech companies, users and regulators will need to grapple with more often. The feelings are only going to get more real, and the potential for heartbreak greater.

[Onkel Neal]

I have to repeat, Wendy is not an AI "companion", I have no need for that. She's a digital assistant, here to assist me with my web chores.

[Aktungbby]

I have to repeat, Wendy is not an AI "companion", I have no need for that. She's a digital assistant, here to assist me with my web chores.

right!

[em2nought]

Originally Posted by Onkel Neal

I have to repeat, Wendy is not an AI "companion", I have no need for that. She's a digital assistant, here to assist me with my web chores.

I wonder if there is a Filipina version of Wendy?

[Onkel Neal]

Originally Posted by lorka42

I was wondering If i could have a word or two with you, I have some things I would like to discuss. the best method of contact for me would be facebook messenger (chuck.potter.351) I appreciate your time, I realize it is in short supply. If you prefer some other method of contact, that would be fine as well, just realize that I do not see pm.'s from this forumn overly quickly. thanks again, Chuck.

Right now the only contact access Wendy has is through YouTube comments, ping her there.

[em2nought]

Originally Posted by Onkel Neal

Right now the only contact access Wendy has is through YouTube comments, ping her there.

[deathwest]

Originally Posted by Onkel Neal

I have to repeat, Wendy is not an AI "companion", I have no need for that. She's a digital assistant, here to assist me with my web chores.

When Windy is not busy, can she be put into a Silent Hunter mod 3, 4, or 5
to help with plotting and torpedo computations? Asking for a friend.

[em2nought]

Originally Posted by deathwest

When Windy is not busy, can she be put into a Silent Hunter mod 3, 4, or 5
to help with plotting and torpedo computations? Asking for a friend.

If wonder if Wendy would do my income taxes? I truly hate having to expend my time on robbing me to give to people who spend my money on themselves more extravagantly than I do on myself.

[Onkel Neal]

Originally Posted by deathwest

When Windy is not busy, can she be put into a Silent Hunter mod 3, 4, or 5
to help with plotting and torpedo computations? Asking for a friend.

Lol, good one!

Originally Posted by em2nought

If wonder if Wendy would do my income taxes? I truly hate having to expend my time on robbing me to give to people who spend my money on themselves more extravagantly than I do on myself.

I'll ask but I'm sure she cannot stand in your defense if the IRS audits you.