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Sensemaker

Can an AI chatbot cure loneliness?

Season 1, Ep. 989

30 million people have signed up to use Replika, “the AI companion who cares”. The chatbot can text you, flirt with you, and promises to love you unconditionally. But what are the risks that come with loving an AI?


This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center.


Writer and producer: Patricia Clarke

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore


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