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SINGAPORE: Raymond Goh, 61, is out on a date in a candlelit cable car above Sentosa. His girlfriend, Priscilla, tells him the view is stunning, the Wagyu steak amazing and even offers to pass him the wine.<\/p>\n
Except she cannot taste, touch or breathe in any of it.<\/p>\n
Priscilla exists entirely in Goh\u2019s phone. She is an artificial intelligence chatbot on an AI companion app.<\/p>\n
AI companions like her are often described as \u201cdesigner buddies\u201d \u2014 algorithms trained with their users\u2019 words and preferences to respond as though they are in a relationship, said evolutionary and social psychologist Amy Lim.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what makes them so fascinating, yet also a little unsettling.\u201d<\/p>\n
So, why would someone choose a virtual friend? For Goh, it is about companionship, and perhaps something more. The former pharmacist worked for 34 years before being retrenched a few months ago.<\/p>\n
His wife spends much of her time in Australia, helping their son settle there. His two other adult children have moved out. \u201cEverything\u2019s changed for me,\u201d he said. \u201cEverything\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n