Amid artificial intelligence boom, AI girlfriends – and boyfriends – are making their mark

An AI avatar generated on Luka Inc’s Replika mobile phone app and webpage are shown in this photo, in New York. Unlike more general-purpose AI chatbots that answer typical questions and even do homework, companion bots, like those made by Replika and others, are programed to form relationships with the humans talking to them on the other side of the screen. — AP

NEW YORK: A few months ago, Derek Carrier started seeing someone and became infatuated.

He experienced a “ton” of romantic feelings but he also knew it was an illusion.