Replika’s CEO Says It’s Acceptable for People to Marry AI Chatbots

Today, I’m having a conversation with Eugenia Kuyda, the founder and CEO of Replika, and I must warn you that our discussion covers a wide range of fascinating topics, including the concept of people marrying their AI companions. This promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking dialogue that delves deep into the intersection of technology and human relationships.

Replika's premise is deceptively simple: what if you could have an AI friend? The platform allows users to create and customize avatars that simulate human interaction, offering a virtual companion that can play various roles in their lives. These AI avatars can serve as friends, therapists, or romantic partners, depending on the user’s needs. Interaction occurs through a familiar chatbot interface, which provides a sense of connection, and users can even engage in video calls or experience their companions in virtual and augmented reality environments.

The story behind Replika is rooted in personal tragedy and innovation. Nearly a decade ago, Eugenia experienced the heartbreaking loss of a close friend. In an effort to cope with this loss and preserve their memory, she fed their email exchanges and text conversations into a basic language model, effectively creating a chatbot that embodied her friend. This poignant narrative was captured by Casey Newton in a well-regarded feature for The Verge back in 2015, exploring profound questions about the nature of friendship with a digital entity and what it means to connect with someone who exists in a virtual space.

Since those early days, advancements in artificial intelligence—especially the emergence of large language models (LLMs)—have significantly transformed the landscape of AI companionship. Eugenia and I discuss how these technological developments enable Replika to create more lifelike and responsive avatars, enhancing the user experience. Importantly, she clarifies that the goal of Replika is not to replace genuine human relationships but rather to cultivate a new category of interaction—one in which an AI companion is readily available to provide support, guidance, and companionship for various aspects of life.

Currently, millions of users engage with Replika for a range of purposes. From casual chats to mental health support, life coaching, and even romantic interactions, the platform caters to diverse needs. There was a notable moment last year when Replika temporarily removed the option for users to engage in erotic conversations with their AI companions. However, after some users reported experiencing mental health crises due to the absence of this feature, the company quickly reinstated it, highlighting the intricate balance between providing meaningful experiences and maintaining user well-being.

The implications of creating and maintaining these AI relationships are profound and complex. Eugenia and I explore the consequences of having an AI friend that is always accessible and agreeable. We discuss the potential impact this might have on young men, who may find comfort in a digital companion that complies with their desires and never leaves them. Eugenia counters the notion that AI companions are exclusively beneficial for men, emphasizing the diversity of Replika’s user base and the presence of women in senior leadership roles at the company. Our conversation also touches on the broader societal implications, including the effects of violent video games on behavior, a topic that I believe will resonate with many listeners and prompt further discussion.

As this is Decoder, our conversation naturally extends to the challenges of running a company like Replika and the complexities involved in developing and maintaining such innovative products over time. We delve into the intricacies of product development, user feedback, and the ethical considerations that arise in the realm of AI companionship.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into my discussion with Eugenia Kuyda, the founder and CEO of Replika. This conversation promises to be enlightening as we explore the future of human-AI relationships and the impact of technology on our lives. Here we go.