Amouranth: Why is Twitch streamer's new AI app offering ‘virtual dates’ being called out as ‘disturbing’?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kaitlin "Amouranth" Siragusa has released 'Forever Companion', an AI companion on Forever Voices' AI platform. Amouranth is ecstatic about the initiative, stating she prioritizes being there for her audience. But the influencer's AI avatar has recently received flak and has been labelled as "disurbing".
Amouranth is overjoyed with the project, stating in a press release, “I thrive on taking risks and pushing boundaries. Above all, I prioritize being there for my incredible audience. AI Amouranth is designed to satisfy the needs of every fan, ensuring an unforgettable and all-encompassing experience.”
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Why is Amourant's AI avatar 'disturbing'?
In an interview, creator and Forever Voices AI CEO, John Meyer stated that the platform may "democratise access" to an influencer's followers, allowing more people to speak with Amouranth.
"I don't mind Amouranth making her bag, and I think part of what people like about buying her OnlyFans is that you get to pay for her attention anyhow. An AI app simply allows individuals to imagine they're communicating, even if she's not actually conversing with them; it's just a robot performing her imitation," THE GAMER reported.
Meyer continued, "What I find disturbing is that this app is happily normalising parasocial relationships. I think the culture around streamers and, more broadly, celebrities is extremely toxic, and the idea that AI apps are profiting off of unhealthy dynamics rubs me the wrong way."
AI apps are profiting off of unhealthy dynamics around streamers and celebrities, which can lead to outpourings of hate and people feeling "scammed". This could lead to unhealthy parasocial relationships, as it is an app that can disappear at any time.
'Not a good concept for us'
Forever Voices AI is using AI to detect mental health issues and connect users in real time with human therapists and emergency hotlines. It is aware of the implications of this technology and is moving forward.
Meyer continued, "People always call me a luddite for criticizing artificial intelligence, but it's oversimplified to suggest that all criticisms of new technology are motivated by fear. My fear has always been that technology is being applied without adequate research into how it affects its users, and that businesses are more concerned with profit than the ethical implications of their goods."
He further added, "Of course, developing an AI app that allows you to communicate with influencers is a fantastic idea for the company because it capitalises on a societal fault. However, that is not a good concept for us. The whole idea is shady, and I'm concerned about how this technology will affect an already misogynistic streaming market."
