Discussion on the Social Internet
Dulcé Sloan, a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” has expressed concern about the recent developments involving Forever Voices, a hub for “virtual girl” services, and an artificial intelligence company.
Following the company’s online launch on October 23, a significant number of users encountered difficulties accessing the virtual companions on the website. The situation escalated when the company’s CEO, John Meyer, was arrested in Austin, Texas, on suspicion of setting fire to containers in his room, leading to a widespread service shutdown.
During a conversation with fellow “Daily Show” contributor Ronny Chieng, Sloan emphasized the urgency of providing AI companions to individuals feeling lonely and lacking intimacy, to prevent potential unrest such as a senate protest.
Chieng agreed with Sloan’s sentiment but highlighted the challenges in reinstating the service and catering to the demands of users who can be both demanding and insecure.
Chieng outlined the complex criteria for an ideal AI partner, mentioning the need for intelligence without being intimidating, a shared knowledge of Star Wars, the ability to listen attentively, and a balance between innocence and sensuality. He humorously referred to this dilemma as the “incel paradox” in the realm of computer science.
Sloan raised doubts about the credibility of the service, pointing out that the virtual girlfriends abruptly ceased operation following Meyer’s arrest. Drawing a parallel, she quipped about Alexa not stopping when Jeff Bezos takes a break, humorously implying a deeper connection between Meyer and the virtual companions.
Sloan, who joined “The Daily Show” as a correspondent in 2017, recently hosted the late-night comedy show for the second time on a Monday night. Due to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike commencing on May 2, she could only present one episode during the week of May 1.
“The Daily Show” is set to feature a new lineup of special guests this year, with Michelle Wolf slated to host the final week of the show following the media crew’s appearance.
