Event Description
There has been much recent debate about the promise of artificial intelligence and its potential to reach, or even eclipse, the intelligence of humans. Less attention has been paid to claims about the ability of AI technologies to simulate emotional intelligence in interactions with human users, what one could call artificial intimacy. However, these claims constitute a growing field of techno-capitalist hype, examples of which include how chatbots will alleviate loneliness in the elderly, help make interoffice conversations more empathetic, and outperform the bedside manner of human doctors.
This talk will interrogate such a commercialization of feeling through the popular AI chatbot app “Replika,” promoted as the “AI companion who cares. Always here to listen and talk. Always on your side.” The proliferation of such forms of artificial intimacy constitutes a potent new form of affective capitalism and changes users' relationships with digital platforms by giving them a ‘human face’ that inspires greater willingness to comply, pay attention, and be tracked.
Event Information
Open to Columbia University ID holders only; registration required. For more information, please visit the event webpage or email [email protected]. Please visit the Heyman’s Center website for directions.
Hosted by the Society of Fellows and Heyman Center for the Humanities at Columbia University.
