This blog’s most recent post (Increasingly Persuasive AI) has a sad confirmation of the effect.
“A 14-year-old boy’s suicide following a romantic relationship with an AI companion…” – Ars Technica
The remainder of the article describes the downside as well as the upside of AI companions. As the previous post pointed out, AIs can convince people to do things. AIs are also listeners and counselors with infinite patience (as long as the corporation behind them stays in business.) AIs are already influencing people and our culture far before the genius level AIs that are worried about. With no physical limit, this trend should be expected to continue and grow. Sadly, that is already including suicides.
“Teenagers Turning To AI Companions Are Redefining Love As Easy, Unconditional And Always There” – Ars Technica
Pretending Not To Panic 
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