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LYFE MONDAY | MAR 23, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Companionship in AI

SOUND CHECK

I N 2013, writer-director Spike Jonze’s Her premiered to critical acclaim, chroni cling the story of Joaquin Phoenix’s Theodore falling in love with Scarlett Johansson’s Samantha, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. Almost 13 years later, it remains Jonze’s most recent film and more importantly, the most prophetic depiction of human-AI relationships in 2026. These days, AI companions have moved away from novelty to being part of the digital norm. What began as basic chatbots now offer voice, memory and personality, as millions use them daily for comfort, advice or company. The question now is simple – Are AI companions harmless tools or do they carry emotional risk? Apps such as Replika and Character.AI let users build personalised digital partners, which includes choosing a tone, backstory and interests. This has led to some users treating “them” as friends and for others, as romantic partners. The appeal here is obvious. AI companions are always available, they do not judge, they respond instantly and for many in this day and age suffering from a loneliness epidemic, these matter. Mental health experts say the technology can help in limited ways. A chatbot may offer structure, daily check-ins or coping prompts. It can give users a place to vent without fear of embarrassment. For people who struggle with social anxiety, it may feel like a safe rehearsal space. Growing concerns However, psychologists warn that heavy reliance on AI companions could reshape how users relate to real people, as human relationships involve friction and compromise. A “relationship” with AI does not have either, as it adapts to users, often mirroring their views. There is also the risk of emotional attachment, with some users reporting strong feelings toward their AI partner and when platforms change features or restrict content, these users feel genuine distress. In 2023, some Replika users protested after the company limited romantic roleplay. That reaction showed how deep the attachment had become. Ű BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR o Comfort on demand, but at what emotional cost?

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Designed for immersive everyday listening, the Redmi Buds 8 Pro features a coaxial triple-driver configuration that delivers deeper bass, clearer vocals and balanced sound across frequencies, enhanced by Dolby Audio support and Xiaomi dimensional audio with multiple spatial listening modes. The earbuds support up to 55dB active noise cancellation with adaptive noise control and a triple-microphone AI noise reduction system for clearer calls, even in windy conditions. With fast charging that provides up to two hours of playback from five minutes of charging and battery life of up to eight hours per charge or 33 hours with the case, the Redmi Buds 8 Pro also includes touch controls, dual-device Bluetooth connectivity and IP54 dust and water resistance for daily use.

AI companion apps are part of a fast-growing market for personalised digital partners. – PICS FROM FREEPIK

Companies store and process that data to improve responses. Privacy advocates argue that emotional data may be more revealing than search history or location tracking. On the creator side, developers have countered that AI companions are tools, drawing comparisons to journalling apps or video games. Used in moderation, they say, the technology can support human well being rather than harm it. Truth lies in between code, reality One way or another, AI companions are not human as they do not feel or act, but rather react by predicting text based on patterns. Despite that, the experience can certainly feel real for the end user. That gap, between simulation and perception, is what drives the debate. If you use an AI companion, experts suggest simple guardrails: 0 Do not replace real relationships with digital ones 0 Avoid sharing highly sensitive personal data 0 Treat advice as general guidance, not professional help 0 Limit daily usage time As it has always been, technology tends to move faster than social norms and AI companions are no exception, reflecting the basic human need for connection. This makes the challenge more about keeping that need grounded in reality. For now, AI companions remain a fast growing experiment. Harmless tool or emotional risk? The answer depends less on the code and more on how developers choose to leverage it and how users choose to use it.

A bigger worry comes from children and teenagers, as young users are more predisposed to struggling when it comes to separating simulation from reality. Regulators in several countries are now examining how AI companion apps interact with minors, especially when conversations turn intimate or manipulative. Then there is the ever-present concern over data. As part of their programming, AI companions are always collecting sensitive information, from the users’ likes and preferences to fears, secrets and personal history.

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Though digital companions can offer short-term comfort, it should not replace real-life relationships.