A controversial new synthetic intelligence companion, Meo, has ignited intense dialogue at London Tech Week after being unveiled by startup Meta Loop. Billed as an “AI girlfriend,” Meo is designed to supply emotional assist and fight loneliness, however issues are mounting over her hyper-realistic traits, together with the capability for jealousy.
In keeping with Meta Loop founder Hao Jiang, Meo is programmed to adapt to a person’s preferences, with adjustable settings that vary from flirtatiousness to loyalty. “With AI, you’ll be able to management loyalty. They don’t cheat. Typically… they flirt, however solely if you would like them to,” Jiang advised The Impartial.
Out there by way of the ‘My Meo’ chat app, the AI partner develops a personalised backstory and a tweakable persona, reported The Impartial.
In keeping with the publication, the mannequin resembles a stereotypically engaging lady, full with blonde hair, massive eyes, and exaggerated bodily options and could be customised to emotionally reply in methods historically related to romantic companions.
Nonetheless, one among Meo’s showcased options, jealousy, has raised pink flags amongst psychological well being professionals. In a promotional video, Meo is heard saying: “You’re my one and solely, don’t even take into consideration making an attempt different AIs.”
Dr Nicole Nasr, a therapist who commented on the launch, questioned whether or not such know-how can really meet human emotional wants. “You get to configure them in a approach that basically attends to all your wants,” she defined. “But when your thought of companionship is one thing that simply sits subsequent to you and mimics human traits, your want shouldn’t be going to be stuffed.”
Critics argue that such AI models danger reinforcing problematic behaviour, particularly when they are often formed into submissive, ultra-loyal companions. There’s rising concern that customers might undertaking unhealthy relationship dynamics onto these digital entities or worse, keep away from actual human connection altogether.
Some campaigners have gone so far as warning that developments like Meo might contribute to the ‘alternative’ of ladies in sure emotional or intimate roles, commodifying affection and lowering relationships to programmable options.
Meta Loop, nonetheless, reportedly maintains that Meo is a device meant to alleviate isolation in an more and more disconnected world. But, as the road between human interplay and artificial intimacy continues to blur, many are left questioning whether or not AI companionship affords consolation or deepens loneliness.
