Cuddling with AI: The simulation of Pets

[Deleted User]Bluzy (deleted user)
in General

I have yet to read or explore this book’s content, and yet I am curious what others think about it.

Here’s the book’s synopsis—
Whether it's a purring AI cat or a tail-wagging android dog, the next generation of artificial companions is ready-hygienic, predictable, and always in a good mood. But what happens when technology suddenly simulates intimacy? When emotional resonance becomes an algorithm-and the relationship becomes a programmed echo? That creates not only happiness, but also suffering? This book explores the question of whether and how artificial animals could replace real pets - psychologically (yes), ethically (no), technically (well, sort of) and culturally (?). It highlights the fine line between emotional support and emotional misrepresentation, questions the dignity of the dachshund as well as data protection in the case of the plush cover with a microphone - and analyzes what happens when the "woof" comes from the speaker that seems to know everything about me. With a scientific perspective, social foresight, and a dash of dry humor, the book takes a nuanced look at the future of the living room: Will we soon prefer to pet the charged animal rather than the living one? Or is it perhaps humans themselves who have something to learn here? A book for anyone interested in human-machine relationships, new forms of bonding, and the question of how much reality there is in perfectly simulated affection. Which may ultimately even make dating apps redundant.

Comments

  • UMonsterUMonster

    There's some interesting things to think about. Robot pets can have some advantages and disadvantages compared to normal pets, but I don't see them being a common thing unless they can be made to where they somehow cost less than real pets. And anyone who's worried about identity security and privacy will most likely prefer real pets.

    However, the term "AI pets" makes me think of virtual pets, which is already a thing. I wonder if there has been any studies comparing how those affect people verses real pets.

  • wilderdudewilderdude

    I remember when my son was a kid he dabbled in the tamogochi stuff and nintendogs on the DS. Seemed like he had fun with it but does not compare to the real cat he got.

  • [Deleted User]Adam_Prof (deleted user)

    Once they can simulate brains then yes everything will be the same and AI can do anything humans or pets do. Other than that, they will be tools to be used for whatever we need and they can't replace any other living creatures.

  • wilderdudewilderdude

    @Adam_Prof nah. organic life will still be superior as a pet. by far.

  • BellaAineBellaAine
    edited April 11

    One thing stood out to me: "always in a good mood." I don’t understand this notion of constantly wanting to be happy. How can you appreciate the light if you’ve never experienced darkness. How can a child relate to their AI pet when they’re feeling sad, anxious, or upset? They might grow up thinking something is wrong with them because they can’t always be in a good mood like their AI pet.

    Can you clarify the part where it echos suffering? Who is it echoing it from? The owner? A real life pet?

    Either way it's a fake emotional bond. Very one sided. I already bond with myself. Why would I need a third echo? I could just go in a cave and have my emotions echoed back to me. 😝

  • wilderdudewilderdude

    @BellaAine agree whole heartedly. Happiness means nothing unless there are moments of neutrality and unhappiness/sadness. This need to be happy all the time is not healthy. It means far less if that was the case.

  • BellaAineBellaAine

    @wilderdude exactly. I know I went a little off topic but had to address this odd notion that people have with wanting everything to be sunshine and rainbows.

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