One thing OpenAI doesnt want you to find, however, is an AI girlfriend.
People really want AI romance bots, and developers really want to sell them.
But rather than embrace the world of digital love, Sam Altmans company is trying to snuff it out.
Photo: Thomas Germain / cjmacer / MeSSrro / Shutterstock.com (Shutterstock)
Or, to be more specific, OpenAI has a no-AI girlfriend policyone that the company isnt really enforcing.
In an insult to girlfriends everywhere, OpenAI immediately started cracking down.
The GPT Stores rules prohibit GPTs dedicated to fostering romantic companionship or performing regulated activities.
Developers then pivoted to using more clandestine language, giving their girlfriend AIs slightly less obvious names like sweetheart.
But after the initial banning spree last week, OpenAIs girlfriend cleanup efforts slowed.
As of press time, there are still tons of robot lovers in the GPT Store.
Judy and Your AI girlfriend, Tsu, are gone (RIP, virtual ladies).
For now, it seems like even OpenAI is unsure about enforcing its ban on artificial love.
Wed love to tell you why, but OpenAI didnt respond to a request for comment.
Altman and his cronies arent breaking new ground.
Sexbots cropped up almost immediately after this generation of AI hit the scene.
Replika then launched a new app calledBlush thats specifically made for flirty purposes.
But the bigger tech companies are less comfortable letting their users get naughty.
Though, weirdly enough, Carter was happy to talk about foot stuff.
The best path forward isnt exactly clear.
The world is facing an epidemic of loneliness that does seem connected to the rise of the internet.
Our world is filled with tools likefood delivery appsandself-checkout machinesthat actively encourage you to avoid other human beings.
Its easier than ever to spend an entire day completely isolated.
Some are more legitimate than others.
BetterHelp will connect you with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your own phone, for example.
(Just dont ask abouttheir privacy problems.)
Gizmodos own Kyle Barr even found thatan AI chatbot called Pigave him temporary relief during a difficult period.
But the AI girlfriend question is a separate issue.
Human companionship can be hard to come by.
There are plenty of robots that will love you on command.
A lot of people think anAI lover is inherently a bad thing.
Maybe it is, or maybe a robo-girlfriend can offer respite in a cruel world.
This stuff is brand new.
We have no idea what the effects will be or under what circumstances.
The answer is probably nuanced, as frustrating as that may be.
The AI girlfriend debate is important, but OpenAI isnt having it.
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