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Significance
They are represented by realistic-looking human avatars, with whom people can form one-to-one social relationships. Today, the number of people with such AI companions likely numbers in the millions, perhaps tens of millions, mostly in East Asia but increasingly also in the English-speaking West.
Impacts
AI companions have the potential to alleviate some of the epidemic-level loneliness now afflicting advanced, fast-ageing societies.
Mistaken belief in AI sentience will grow as more and more people form emotional attachments to AI personalities.
Cybersecurity and misinformation may be the greatest near-term risks.
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