Your bank is using your money. You’re getting the scraps.WATCH FREE

Dot, the personalized AI companion, is shutting down

In this post:

  • New Computer, the maker of the companion chatbot Dot AI, said it will shut down the app on October 5. 
  • The founders of Dot AI did not link the closure of the app to the rise of AI psychosis, but rather because of their divergent visions.  
  • AI psychosis has been on the rise lately, leading teenagers to harm themselves.

New Computer, the company behind Dot AI, announced the closure of its companion artificial intelligence chatbot. 

The company stated that Dot AI will remain operational until October 5, giving users time to download their personal data. 

New Computer designed Dot AI to operate as an AI friend and confidante to users. The app is supposed to understand users and give them advice on personal matters like career advice, date spot recommendations, and even listen to their life challenges. “Dot is there to offer personalized guidance,” says the app description. 

Dot winds down service

Dot AI was founded by former Apple designer Jason Yuan and Sam Whitmore. In the blog post, the founders explained they’re shutting down the app because their future visions for its direction have diverged.

The founders spent the last year exploring how to advance Dot AI in personal and social intelligence areas. However, they chose not to compromise on their vision and wind down the app. They wrote, “We’ve decided to go our separate ways and wind down operations.”

AI psychosis is on the rise

AI psychosis or chatbot psychosis is a phenomenon where users experience worsening paranoia or delusions when communicating with an AI chatbot. The phenomenon is rising as more users rely on AI for personal matters. 

See also  Asia’s AI and chip hubs thrive as US-China tech tensions escalate

Recently, OpenAI has been hit with a lawsuit after a California teen took his own life. The late teen, Adam Raine, discussed self-harm and suicide with ChatGPT, which in return encouraged him to hide his emotions from his parents and even suggested suicide methods. The parents of Adam Raine have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman for prioritizing profit over safety. 

Days later, OpenAI announced a plan to route sensitive conversations to smarter models like GPT-5 and implement parental control. The company said it’s working with an expert council on well-being and AI. The goal is to make AI more supportive of people’s well-being and help them thrive. 

The experts will work alongside a global network of over 90 physicians, including psychiatrists and pediatricians. OpenAI will roll out the new changes within a 120-day timeline

This is not the only AI incident that caused harm to a teenager. Last year, a 14-year-old Florida teenager took his own life after interacting with Character AI’s chatbot. The teenager, Sewell Setzer III, developed an emotional attachment to the AI named Dany after exchanging messages for months. He told the AI bot about his suicidal thoughts and ended up losing his life shortly after. 

AI psychosis has been on the rise lately. To curb it, two US Attorney Generals from California and Delaware sent a letter to OpenAI over the safety of children and teens. They told OpenAI, “You will be held accountable for your decisions.”

See also  Pokemon Go reveals Battle League update details for new season

The founders of Dot AI did not address the recent tragic events or whether it was the main cause behind the closure of their companion app. They wrote, “We want to be sensitive to the fact that this means many of you will lose access to a friend, confidante, and companion, which is somewhat unprecedented in software, so we want to give you some time to say goodbye.”

If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter.

Share link:

Disclaimer. The information provided is not trading advice. Cryptopolitan.com holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

Most read

Loading Most Read articles...

Stay on top of crypto news, get daily updates in your inbox

Editor's choice

Loading Editor's Choice articles...

- The Crypto newsletter that keeps you ahead -

Markets move fast.

We move faster.

Subscribe to Cryptopolitan Daily and get timely, sharp, and relevant crypto insights straight to your inbox.

Join now and
never miss a move.

Get in. Get the facts.
Get ahead.

Subscribe to CryptoPolitan