<
https://theconversation.com/china-has-cracked-down-on-ai-companions-what-can-we-learn-from-this-287976>
"Since November 2022, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been
rewriting billions of emails, student assignments, reports, and break-up text
messages. Alongside these mundane uses, we’ve seen a proliferation of chatbots
as AI “companions”.
Users can design and clothe (or unclothe) their very own AI friend, often for a
fee. These social chatbots provide “happy conversations” and a seemingly
perfect relationship at the cost of the mutual vulnerability and genuine sense
of belonging we gain from bonds with other humans.
Proponents argue that for those experiencing social disconnection, chatbots are
infinitely available, supportive companions who don’t judge them. And there’s
some evidence chatbots can alleviate symptoms of loneliness, chronic
disconnection, and thwarted belonging.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner acknowledges this:
AI companions are always available – which can be appealing for those young
people who struggle to build face-to-face relationships.
But the risks of replacing human relationships with chatbots are only starting
to be understood.
A study we conducted in 2023 showed university students using early chatbots
for academic support copped unintended consequences, such as loneliness.
Currently, the risks of social chatbots – such as dependency, displacing human
friendships, withdrawing socially, or building unrealistic relationships –
appear to outweigh the benefits.
In recent weeks, China has put into place new rules for AI companions and
chatbots, or “anthropomorphic interactive services” as they’re called in the
legislation. Alongside ensuring chatbots must guard state secrets, emotional
use of these tools is restricted, and expected to follow social and moral
standards.
These are some of the strongest controls of social AI use introduced anywhere
in the world. So what can we learn?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
