Abstract

The case study “Can Replika’s Emotional AI Replace Human Companionship?” debates the possibility of emotional AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology-based chatbot, Replika – owned by Luka, Inc. – being able to ultimately replace the need for human companionship in its users. The case starts out with the emotional reasons that drove Luka’s co-founder, Eugenia Kuyda, to develop Replika. The case then describes in detail the specific AI technology that formed the heart of Replika. A brief glimpse of Replika’s business model is provided. The case then takes an in-depth look into the way Replika simulated human-like conversations, thereby providing users with a unique platform for companionship, mental wellness support, and personal growth. It offers insights into the evolving landscape of human-computer interaction, highlighting the complex interaction between technology and human psychology in the context of AI companionship. Despite its obvious advantages, however, Replika raised serious questions among health workers and the society at large about its long-term impact on human interactions. Can Emotional AI-based technologies such as Replika really benefit people or does it raise unrealistic expectations about human interactions?

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Identify key applications of Emotional AI in everyday life.
• Evaluate the impact of Emotional AI on addressing the risks of loneliness.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding human interactions with Emotional AI.
• Examine the key regulatory issues and potential controls with regard to Emotional AI.
• Analyze the future landscape of Emotional AI.

Keywords

Emotional AI; Human-Computer Interaction; Human Psychology; Human Companionship; User Experience; Ethics; Data Privacy; Regulation; Data Security; Machine Learning (ML); Natural Language Processing (NLP); New Business Ventures; User Engagement; Mental Wellness; Ethical AI