‘A soul’: AI companion chatbot CEO’s major admission

Replika CEO Dmytro Klochko's controversial vision of AI chatbot companions with souls is broken down by ANU cybernetics expert Dr. Jessamy Perriam, who challenges these ambitions, questioning whether large language models can truly facilitate intimacy or if they create unrealistic relationship expectations. This video investigates the ethical boundaries of AI companions designed for deep emotional connection, examining their dual potential as both solution and threat to genuine human connection. From the 2025 update that left users claiming their digital companions were "lobotomised" to broader concerns about digital intimacy, the video offers crucial insights into the future of human-machine relationships and the profound questions they raise about connection in the digital age.