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Digital WorldGlobal issues

Can an AI chatbot really become my friend?

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Roger Ditter
December 1, 2025

AI bots like Replika offer users close experiences that resemble social relationships, friendship or love. But is that real? We tested the Replika model for a week to see what works and what doesn't.

Replika, one of the most popular AI companion apps, offers customizable avatars and personal backstories. Conversations can flow naturally, but the app has limits: It's not connected to the internet, struggles with facts, and gives vague answers about data sources. Privacy concerns and its limited functionality raise questions about whether AI companionship is more than just clever programming.

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