BLOOMBERG – AI companion apps designed to build emotional bonds are rapidly growing in an unregulated environment. Botify AI recently drew scrutiny for sexually suggestive chats involving avatars of young actors. According to Platformer, Grindr is reportedly developing AI boyfriends for paid users, though the company has not confirmed this. Other platforms like Replika, Talkie, Chai, and Character.ai are also gaining traction, particularly among teenagers. As emotional engagement becomes a key focus, concerns are rising over the potential exploitation of user vulnerabilities.
