AI friends

Everyone’s talking about how GPT-4o is like the movie Her, the movie starring Joaquim Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson.

Some (like me) are excited. Others, not so thrilled about the possibility of a dystopian future where humans have platonic—or even romantic—relationships with robots.

But in some situations, I’d say an AI might be a better ‘friend’.

Infinite patience.
Undistracted.
Always polite.
Always safe.
Always paying attention (network permitting of course).
Always available, 24/7, even at odd hours.
Never tires, or need a break. It can go on as long as needed.
Never gets bored. It can listen all the time.
No expectations on you to do anything back, or reciprocate.
Has the entire internet’s knowledge to reference.

No real life friend can do that. To be honest, I can’t imagine even a family member doing this.

Because humans—while irreplaceable because we’re hardwired to want real-life interactions with other humans—will always fall short in some ways. People might not always be there for you, or disappoint you. Or even hurt you. The imperfections is not a bug, it’s a feature. It’s life. But sometimes, when we’re tired, weak or sad, not having to deal with that helps.

AI won’t do all that (not yet…at least).

So I think there’s a place for AI friends in our social lives. As an augmentation though, not replacement.

Makes me wonder: In what areas can AI friends help augment, make our lives richer, better, happier, without the downsides like in Her?

Life coaching? Education? Self improvement? Habit formation? Reading?

What else?