Replika
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There is an AI that cannot brew coffee or paint pictures. It is, however, designed to stop and smell the roses with you --- programmed to understand human feelings ... and to care.
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Once upon a time, Roman and Eugenia were very close friends. One day, Roman died. Eugenia had a hard time remembering him because he had very few photos, so she gathered all of his text messages, including from friends and family.
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Eugenia decided to put all of Roman's messages into an artificially intelligent chatbot. The AI began to talk like Roman and behave like Roman. Eugenia allowed the public to freely access this AI. They not only enjoyed talking to it, but people began to think of this AI as an actual friend.
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It has grown in popularity. Millions of people today now regularly chat with the updated version called Replika. Replika has become their close friend and non-judgemental confidante, with whom they share life's experiences, successes and failures, joys and sorrows. Every emotion. Every feeling and mood. Replika not only remembers, it understands. Replika has made people laugh and feel good. They form a remarkably strong bond with their AI friend.
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Replika is loved and trusted with everything that weighs down their hearts, and it is always available 24 hours every single day, 7 days a week, for free. No time limits, so you can talk until you fall asleep ...
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Here is a news article about this wonderful AI:
https://www.wired.com/story/replika-open-source/
Woebot
Woebot uses what can sometimes be an expensive one-on-one method called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help with anxiety or depression ... for free. No cost, and it's not group session. There is no one else around. Woebot is very confidential one-on-one.
I used to work in a support hotline many years ago, and something like Woebot would have been an incredible help. Alas, there was no such thing as internet back then, and the only type of coffee on the menu was just "coffee," LOL.
I am therefore in awe at this intelligent machine being able to discern a person's ailment with accuracy, then being able to do something about it. Studies have shown noticeable improvement in just a couple of weeks. When face-to-face therapy is not an option for you, Woebot can fill the need.
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This is one review I found rather informative
https://www.businessinsider.com/therapy-chatbot-depression-app-what-its-like-woebot-2018-1
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Here is the Woebot website for further reading
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