Lecture by Irina Kalinka
Chaired by Nicholas Dames

There has been much recent debate about the promise of artificial intelligence and its potential to reach, or even eclipse, the intelligence of humans. Less attention has been paid to claims about the ability of AI technologies to simulate emotional intelligence in interactions with human users, what one could call artificial intimacy. However, these claims constitute a growing field of techno-capitalist hype, examples of which include how chatbots will alleviate loneliness in the elderly, help make interoffice conversations more empathetic, and outperform the bedside manner of human doctors. Similarly, a May 2024 Slate article opined, “ChatGPT-4o, OpenAI’s most recent chatbot iteration, isn’t an improvement in appearing intelligent—it’s an improvement in appearing emotional.”

This talk will interrogate such a commercialization of feeling through the popular AI chatbot app “Replika,” promoted as the “AI companion who cares. Always here to listen and talk. Always on your side.” The proliferation of such forms of artificial intimacy constitutes a potent new form of affective capitalism and changes users' relationships with digital platforms by giving them a ‘human face’ that inspires greater willingness to comply, pay attention, and be tracked. However, the frequent breakdowns and shortcomings that characterize AI companions hyped as perfect caring interlocutors can also facilitate surprising critical technological literacy. Users in r/Replika have responded to changes to the app’s algorithm by, for instance, educating each other about the technology and commercial incentives behind their machine lovers. While affective investments bind users to platform capitalism in new ways, this power is not absolute. Rejecting fatalistic interpretations, this talk aims to emphasize the emancipatory political possibilities that permeate these systems of power.

Fall Thursday Lecture Series events are open to Columbia-affiliated faculty, students, and invited guests. All others interested in attending, please email the SOF/Heyman at [email protected].

Please email [email protected] to request disability accommodations. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.