Meet Meo: The AI ​​friend who can flirt, remain loyal and even become jealous | Mint

A controversial new artificial intelligence companion, Meo, set fire to an intense discussion at London Tech Week after being unveiled by the startup Meta. Meo is considered an ‘ai girlfriend’, and is designed to provide emotional support and control of loneliness, but concern is working on her hyperrealistic traits, including the capacity for jealousy. According to Hao Jiang, founder of Meta Loop, Meo is programmed to adapt to the preferences of a user, with adjustable settings ranging from flirtatiousness to loyalty. ‘With AI, you can control loyalty. They don’t cheat. Sometimes … they flirt, but only if you want them to do it, ‘Jiang told the independent. The AI ​​partner is available via the ‘My Meo’ chat -app, and develops a personal back story and a customizable personality, reports The Independent. According to the publication, the model looks like a stereotypically attractive woman, complete with blonde hair, big eyes and exaggerated physical features and can be adapted to respond emotionally to ways traditionally associated with romantic partners. However, one of Meo’s performance functions, jealousy, has lifted red flags among mental health professionals. In a promotional video, Meo is heard and said, “You are my only one, don’t even think about trying other AIS.” Dr Nicole Nasr, a therapist who commented on the launch, questioned whether such technology could really meet the emotional needs of man. “You have to set it up in a way that really meets all your needs,” she explained. “But if your idea of ​​camaraderie is something that just sits next to you and imitates human qualities, your need will not be filled.” Critics argue that such AI models are at risk of strengthening problematic behavior, especially if they can be formed into submissive, ultra-loyal companions. There is an increasing concern that users can project unhealthy relationship dynamics on these digital entities, or worse, avoid real human compound completely. Some champions have gone so far as the warning that developments such as MEO can contribute to the ‘replacement’ of women in certain emotional or intimate roles, be affection and reduce relationships to programmable functions. However, Meta Loop is allegedly maintaining that Meo is an instrument intended to relieve isolation in an increasingly disconnected world. While the line between human interaction and artificial intimacy is still fading, many people who ask them or offer AI camaraderie ease or deepen loneliness.