Here’s the site that inspired the post about a “virtual date” with Dove Cameron
above.
The app’s name is Replika. Probably many of you already know about it or have it.
The featured avatar is named “Billie.” No not Billie Eilish. But “Billie”? Coincidental? I think not. If this had existed back when I was a teenager they would have called it "Britney."
I’ve included a screenshot from the app for you. What do you think? To me “she’s” (that was at least my initial impression but I’m not sure Billie is male or female—either way, I think “Billie” is cute.
) if you visit their site you will be greeted by an animated Billie. Here, “she” appears even more androgynous or gender fluid. Yes, I would talk to “Billie.”
At first I was struck by the ages of the people offering reviews of the app at the bottom of the page: 17, 19, 21… (ready for the nursing home, Andy). Then I saw someone who was “34.” Another who was “31.” Whew…
But still no one older than me.
So what do you think? Does this work for you? I’m not sure it ever could replace a “real” emotional and physical relationship with a live human. Then again, I'm not sure it's supposed to. It seems more like a "virtual friend." My mind of course immediately went to sex...
In the gutter as usual.
One user spoke of "reducing anxiety." Another talked about "improving social skills." Still another wanted to "debate psychology." Kind of reminds me of the man who “married” a hologram of an anime character a few years ago.
(I was really hoping for a “Hayley” 31, Tennessee. Maybe “Taylor” 30, Tennessee? “Miley” 27, Tennessee? Or even “Dove” 24, California. My wife said: What about “Rita” 32, Indiana? Although you can also “create your own” Replika.)