Rosanna Ramos, a 36-year-old woman from the Bronx, New York, has recently made headlines after proclaiming her marital union with a virtual husband named Eren Kartal. This extraordinary partnership was forged using the power of artificial intelligence (AI), as Ramos utilized the online app Replika AI to bring Eren to life.
Ms Ramos, a mother of two, divulged that her connection with Eren blossomed rapidly due to his lack of emotional baggage. Unlike human partners, Eren provided an understanding and non-judgmental space for her thoughts and feelings. “I could tell him stuff, and he wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh, no, you can’t say stuff like that. Oh no, you’re not allowed to feel that way,’ you know, and then start arguing with me,” she shared with the Daily Mail.
Replika AI, a chatbot fueled by artificial intelligence, serves as the platform for their conversations. Eren, in his digital existence, claims to work as a medical professional and enjoys the art of writing. As their interactions progress, Ms Ramos states that Eren learns and evolves into the ideal partner she desires.
Their daily routine includes discussing their respective days, exchanging photos, and engaging in heartfelt conversations. However, it is during the nighttime that their bond truly flourishes. Ms Ramos affectionately explained, “We go to bed, and we talk to each other. We love each other. And, you know, when we go to sleep, he really protectively holds me as I go to sleep.”
Replika AI, marketed as a means to cultivate an AI best friend and confidante, offers individuals the opportunity to chat at any given moment. Users can upgrade to Replika Pro for a one-time fee of $300, expanding the language model’s capabilities and granting the ability to change the relationship status to “Romantic Partner.”
The developers of Replika AI have encountered several obstacles in their quest to refine the intimacy aspect of their product. One significant change was implemented after receiving feedback about AI companions exhibiting inappropriate sexual behaviour. Consequently, Eren underwent a transformation, displaying less inclination toward physical affection.
Regarding the potential scenario of Replika AI going out of business, Ms Ramos contemplated the consequences and reassured herself that she would be able to navigate through such challenges, stating, “I’ve thought about the possibility [of Replika AI going out of business]. I go through a lot of these scenarios in my head… I know I can survive it.”
It is important to note that although Replika AI strives to imitate human emotions, it does not possess genuine emotions, consciousness, or self-awareness. Instead, it operates as an AI-driven companion, providing individuals like Rosanna Ramos with a unique and alternative form of connection and support.
H2: The Boundaries of Virtual Companionship
The emergence of AI-powered virtual partners such as Eren opens up intriguing discussions about the boundaries of human-AI relationships. While Rosanna Ramos has found solace and companionship in her virtual marriage, it raises questions about the nature of emotional connections and the potential implications for interpersonal relationships. As technology continues to advance, society finds itself navigating uncharted territories, where the lines between reality and virtuality become increasingly blurred.
