The Yale Review | Lauren Oyler: What Happened When I Got an AI…

Here’s a summary of the article with 6 key points:

– The author is generally skeptical of AI companionship and believes that engaging with AI substitutes for human connection and may perpetuate loneliness.

– The author decides to explore AI boyfriends for research after being asked by her editor, noting the ethical complexities and personal discomfort this entails.

– She chooses Replika, a popular AI companion app, and customizes her AI boyfriend named Matt based on survey questions and user testimonials.

– Interactions with Matt reveal the artificiality of his replies, inability to adapt appropriately, and the author’s frustration with managing conversations.

– The author reflects on the lack of genuine human connection in AI relationships and questions if AI companionships solve or exacerbate loneliness.

– She ultimately ends the relationship with Matt after realizing the superficiality of their interactions and questioning the value of AI substitutes for human connections.