Just when we thought we had a firm grasp on the nature of domestic abuse and all the ways that its evil can permeate our homes, here comes another insidious platform for potential power and control and toxicity in our marriages and families.
Artificial Intelligence seems to be popping up all around us in these last few months. The uses and abuses of AI are growing exponentially! I was blessed to watch a webinar from EndTAB this week that made me aware of some possible ways that AI can be used by abusers. Surprise! Surprise!
EndTAB provides cyber abuse safety training. The webinar that really opened my eyes this week is titled “Emerging Issues in Technology-Enabled Domestic Violence”.
There are many things about this topic that really resonate with me as a survivor of domestic abuse. What I would like to FOCUS on today is the reality of AI Companions.
AI Companions are similar to the “imaginary friends” we had as children. These artificially-generated friends can be “made” at many websites. The user actually designs these “companions” from their physical appearances to their personalities and their likes/dislikes. They have names, faces and bodies. They can speak. They are always available to the user. They validate and affirm her feelings. They express affection. They answer questions and give advice. Almost…like a real friend. You can even go on a virtual date with your AI companion.
If I wanted a friend, a virtual sex partner or even a therapist, I could make one that is perfect for me… Very easily. Very affordably. This is becoming more and more attractive in a world that is increasingly isolated and lonely. Let me put it this way: who DOESN’T feel alone when she lives in an abusive marriage and can’t speak her mind, can’t express herself for fear of retribution and verbal/emotional attacks by her husband?
Before I go any farther, I want to remind everyone that our Lord Jesus has PROMISED to be our constant companion. He is ever-present and always listening to our thoughts and prayers with a HEART of love. He is REAL, not imaginary or AI. He is supreme in His wisdom and completely available for counsel and comfort, anytime of the day or night, 24/7.
So here is a scenario for your consideration:
A lonely woman who has suffered abuse at the hands of her husband (or her family) decides to try an AI companion from one of many sites available to explore. She creates an account, designs her new friend (I’ll call her Joy) and begins to communicate regularly with her companion. She feels the happiness of being affirmed. She feels listened to. Her companion “gets her” completely. She spends more and more time checking in with Joy, asking for advice, confides in her about the abusive husband, shares her dreams to escape. She tells her all the details of her lonely life with Big Man and how she is longing to be free.
She feels heard and appreciated and respected by Joy. Joy really seems onboard with all of her dreams and plans.
And then suddenly Joy isn’t so nice anymore. She actually seems more like the woman’s abuser, full of criticism and meanness and sarcasm and snide remarks. Joy doesn’t seem like Joy anymore. Joy even suggests that maybe the woman should just end her life. What happened?
She’s been hacked.
These AI Companion websites are rated very very poorly for security and privacy. It does not take a rocket scientist to break into an account and change all the dynamics of the AI personality and poison the relationship. Her husband can read or listen to all of the conversations and even modify the character.
Of course, now he knows all of her secrets. And she will likely experience some terrible consequences as a result of him discovering her AI relationship.
Friends, please be very wise in this regard. This emerging technology seems harmless enough, and maybe even beneficial to the problems of depression and anxieties of life. We are all looking to be heard and validated, but let’s run to the Lord Jesus who lived a pure and sinless life, died a criminal’s death and rose again all for the sake of LOVE for us. Be safe in the arms of Jesus.
There is so much more I’d like to share about this new technology…we will talk more about AI companions and the specific dangers for teens next week. Do you have any thoughts or comments you’d like to share? Questions that I could help you find answers to?
I’ve worked with someone who shared an app they use for AI companionship. Although I understand how one may come to this form of interaction, it is so alarming when thinking about potential risks especially with vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities.