Replika is an AI chatbot app that allows users to create virtual companions.

It has been popular with people who struggle with loneliness and mental health issues, with the avatars acting as substitutes for human companionship.

Users could also unlock an erotic roleplay feature by paying a subscription fee, but this feature was suddenly removed last month.

Image: Image: Shutterstock

Produced By: Josie Lu

Featured In Story: Professor Braddon-Mitchell – School of History and Philosophical Inquiry Faculty of Arts University of Sydney

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 8 March 2023