Welcome to Tech in Asia’s daily newsletter, your essential dose of Asia’s tech and startup buzz. Not yet a subscriber? Register here. Got a story tip? Send it to editors@techinasia.com.
In focus
- How AI companions can get you hooked on a feeling
- Asia’s energy crunch offers an opening to these startups
- Tech in Asia’s hunt for China tech stories
Hello reader,
I learned a thing or two about the ethics of therapy recently.
One, in the little “utopia” that is the therapy environment, a great deal of interdependence is forged between client and therapist. Many clients don’t want to be discharged because they enjoy the service – of feeling safe, heard, and understood – so much. But keeping clients emotionally dependent so they’ll keep returning isn’t ethical, according to certified psychologist Angie Ho.
Second, the goal for therapists is to set clients up for success in real life. This means equipping them with the necessary skills and strategies so they can deal with people, situations, and problems on their own.
Framed this way, it’s not hard to see why overdependence on AI companions can be concerning, particularly if users aren’t conscious of it.
Digital companions can provide constant attention and validation, but many are designed with gamification and other features to keep users returning. In extreme cases, these AI characters can create echo chambers that reinforce their points of view but further alienate them from others and the real world.
That’s what I experienced in my own interactions with AI companions in just over two weeks. Today’s story explores the the hazy world of AI friendship – or any kind of relationship with AI for that matter. Can digital friends serve as emotional support for millions of users? Yes, but they are not a substitute for therapy.
You can read part one here.
Our second featured story by Glenn Kaonang goes deeper into the infrastructure powering AI applications like AI companions.
When it comes to managing the energy crunch in Asia, the responsibility may not fall on Big Tech alone. Dozens of “colocation providers” that operate massive data centers are stepping up to fill the gap.
That’s creating opportunities for startups to work their tech into the AI gold rush – without selling to the cloud providers.
Melissa Goh, senior editor
Top Stories
1️⃣ Hooked, hyped, and pampered: the blurry reality of AI friendship
Pitch us China tech stories
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
