Interesting. I had to Google "NPC" as this was new to me. I was aware that disillusioned humans might crave a relationship with a predictable, reliable, "trustworthy" AI created entity, especially those damaged by trolling, bullying, and real world poverty, but I had not been aware this had already taken such an extensive hold in the worlds of TikTok and online gaming. I fear that so long as our socio-economic and political environments continue on their dire, hopeless downward spiral, many more may seek refuge in "NPC" and virtual relationships. We have only ourselves to blame.
Worth noting: A research psychologist told The Daily Beast that the trend “plays into basic human desires for connection and control…[and] this idea of oversexualized women engaging peripherally in gaming cultures.” (Direct quote from peers actively documenting the online creator sphere known as Colin & Samir.)
Interesting. I had to Google "NPC" as this was new to me. I was aware that disillusioned humans might crave a relationship with a predictable, reliable, "trustworthy" AI created entity, especially those damaged by trolling, bullying, and real world poverty, but I had not been aware this had already taken such an extensive hold in the worlds of TikTok and online gaming. I fear that so long as our socio-economic and political environments continue on their dire, hopeless downward spiral, many more may seek refuge in "NPC" and virtual relationships. We have only ourselves to blame.
Worth noting: A research psychologist told The Daily Beast that the trend “plays into basic human desires for connection and control…[and] this idea of oversexualized women engaging peripherally in gaming cultures.” (Direct quote from peers actively documenting the online creator sphere known as Colin & Samir.)
I choose fight back, though I think this phenomenon is only going to get worse