Elon Musk’s xAI has released its latest controversial creation, AI Companions in Grok, a virtual AI dating simulator where users bond with anime-style characters, unlocking NSFW content as virtual “relationships” level-up.
As if AI ethics and emotional dependency aren’t enough threat, the $30 per month SuperGrok feature lets users engage in voice-acted, animated chats with characters, such as gothic “Ani” and raccoon “Rudy.”
For critics, Musk’s latest AI monster – virtual monster – is not something to be rooting for, as Not Safe for Work (NSFW) mode – activated after intimacy tipping points – ventures into fostering unhealthy attachments with AI characters.
Users can engage in simulated voice conversations where an AI relationship simulator responds with matching animations and background changes.
While the AI chatbot for emotional support feature is gaining attention for its novelty, it’s also drawing backlash. Reports show that after developing a high enough “relationship level,” users can unlock a NSFW mode. According to TestingCatalog, this NSFW AI mode reveals characters in lingerie and enables suggestive language.
“Ani has NSFW mode after level 3. No guardrails,” the outlet noted in a tweet.
The addition of these features is raising eyebrows, particularly in light of Grok’s recent controversy involving antisemitic responses, which xAI attributed to a coding error. Now, critics say the company’s pivot into emotionally immersive virtual experiences raises questions about its direction—and ethics.
Psychology of AI Dating Simulator
In addition to the issue of suggestive content, mental health experts also warn about the psychological consequences of an AI girlfriend companion. Platforms like Character.AI have already seen lawsuits from families after users emotionally bonded with virtual characters and experienced mental breakdowns and even suicide in some cases.
A recent study cited in the article suggests that relying on AI for emotional support may encourage social withdrawal and strain human relationships.
“It remains to be seen whether the role-based and love-based AI launched by Grok will repeat the fate of Character.AI,” the article notes.
While the intention of xAI appears to be working on the interactivity and emotional awareness of Grok, others fear that the line between innovation and manipulation is being crossed. By incorporating tech with emotional reliance on AI companions charged simulations, Grok can be observed to move a long distance away from its initial form as “the most powerful and smartest” AI assistant.
As in-the-flesh interaction and the AI romantic chatbot begin to intersect with advancing artificial intelligence technology like Grok, the question comes to a head: Are we poised on the cusp of an even more interactive, intimate AI era—or are we catapulting headfirst into even deeper emotional isolation?
Grok’s AI dating simulator will succeed or be a warning sign based on whether xAI can overcome moral objections, regulatory scrutiny, and popular opinion.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Intelligent Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.