If people’s only experience of interacting with an LLM to date has been with a tool (ChatGPT or equivalent) then it’s hard for them to make the leap to what it feels like to interact with a Companion AI. They have memories, behave, and exhibit concern/care towards you – a vastly different user experience. Virtual friends built on LLMs are quickly gaining traction, […] Whether we look to puppetry, psychology, or other frameworks, it’s clear that virtual companions are coming—and the implications for society, relationships, and even care are serious. Now is the time to start talking about it.
People: The moleskine legend. Similarities between long covid and alzheimer. Severing ties with one’s parents. Virtual politicians. NYC has a 48% fare evasion on bus. US NEETs.
Sublime. Worldbuilding/fleshing.Business: African farmers, satellites and crops. WhiteHouse studying OpenSource software for critical infrastructure. Futures Canvas - a nice tool for futures! Rogue climate-focused startups. Futures and Theory of change.
Tech: Y Combinator start in defence. RU/Ukraine warfare with optical fiber drones. Green berets hacking.
