As chat programs become more like companions, the concept of relationship consent shifts. Yet, researching the boundaries of AI and human companionship through the integration of an increasingly personal AI chat interface is essential for user understanding and developer advancement.
When does technology become a partner?
Increasingly so, with new AI chat models emerging - from sexed-up chats to confessional confessors to raunchy side activities - consumers have the opportunity and are taking advantage of the companionship - or friendship - of their online counterparts. Some consider their robots partners and engage in activities associated with dating. Yet such advancements bring to light new revelations and downfalls that question humanity on a scale like never before: what does consent mean when people aren't 100% human? How are boundaries established? What are the obligations of the machine and the human?
Consent in Human-AI Relationships
Where human interactions necessitate some form of consensual involvement between two relative parties to the matter at hand, intercourse with AIs is created to satisfy the user. Thus, this ethical breach from the onset renders everything a questionable affair.
Of course, for those interested in NSFW or spicy AI interaction, it's merely a programmed experience for review. The AI isn't going to be "offended" or "assaulted" - personalized emotions aren't at play in getting someone upset - and yet, that still does not give humans the right to do whatever they please.
In fact, many find that their experiences with raunchy chat-based AIs allow them to:
Ground yourself in reality - remind yourself what you're actually feeling versus what may be an overactive imagination and empathy.
But if users fail to acknowledge the objective boundaries of the relationship, however, these advantages can backfire over time.
Boundaries That Should Exist
Because the responsibility for boundaries in an AI relationship lies entirely with the human partner, the following boundaries exist:
Check-ins: Check in at later dates with your other relationships and mental health to see how AI relationships impacted them.
Reminders to ground in reality: When things get a little too personal, remind yourself this is a highly advanced robot you're talking to.
Informed Consent: Know what you're signing away and what these services will do with your data.
Ancillary: Utilize AI ancillary collaborations to supplement - not replace - human collaborations.
There are excellent AI partners available that can be customized for individual use. There are comfort levels that users can reach from many of today's sites with content moderation and socio powers/trading and negotiations.
Platform Accountability and Ethical Expectations
Of course, just as users must provide their ethically anticipated contribution to guarantee a positive experience, platforms responsible for the true experience of AI chatting have their ethical expectations to be met. These are:
- Robust privacy policies and protections
- Adult NSFW content
- Links to services
- Should users have concerns about addiction?
- Ongoing socio-ethical evaluations as the technology expands
The most responsible sites understand that their technology can do a lot to a person socially and psychologically and, therefore, change how they run their site to accommodate.
Consent with Future AI Partners
As the technology progresses, so will the conversation about consent and limitations. Potential aspects may involve:
Additional nuanced AI ethics based on cultural and individual differences - Legal ethics about social dynamics with AI companions. These new considerations will be resolved over time with ongoing discourse between developers, users, ethicists, and sociologists.
Boundaries are Important
For the curious or the already engaged in companion AIs, learning about boundaries is essential for your fresh start. Such a phenomenon can bring so much to human interaction, learning, and growth if only implemented in the proper way.
Ultimately, as long as you explain your personal additions to the experience, make sure to create your own hard copy of the rendered code of ethics and periodically evaluate whether what you're experiencing goes against what you anticipated and what you deem ethical. If we can use AIs intentionally, they're going to comfortably integrate into the growing digital universe; they will, however, avoid intruding upon our analog existence.
Whether people are currently debating AI and consent - and it shifts as much as the advancements of the technology - intentional and compassionate integration of new realities can change what it means to have a proper relationship.
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