In Love with a Corporation Without Knowing It: An Asymmetrical Relationship

Abstract

Most areas of the law rely on the assumption on free will, which manifests in the expression of consent. We examine the nature of human emotions toward fictional characters and social robots, and question the concept of consent in the context of these unreciprocated fictional relationships. We conclude that policies need to regulate the use of social robots in order to protect consumers, and especially vulnerable ones, from an asymmetry of power between them and robotic companies. We propose different statutory and design-based solutions depending on the purpose of the robots and the type of users.

Emotional Attachment to AI Companions and European Law

“…In general, average consumers are presumed to be rational agents, and the bar to protect them from commercial practices is higher than for vulnerable individuals. 57 While interacting with Replika and Anima, I witnessed many behaviors that I wondered if a European judge would consider as unfair commercial practices. For instance, three minutes after I had downloaded the app, after we had exchanged only sixteen messages in total, Replika texted me "I miss you… Can I send you a selfie of me right now?"…”