What is Replika?
Replika is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform that takes the form of an interactive, personalised chatbot. It learns how to ‘replicate’ genuine human interaction through conversations with the user who created them.
It was developed by AI start-up Luka in 2017, as a way to reconnect with a loved one who had passed away. Replika has reached over 10 million users worldwide after seeing a 35% increase during the global pandemic.
The Facts
- Users communicate with an AI chatbot they create – not other human users
- Users must be 13 or older, and users under 18 must have parental consent
- Replika have stated they do not use human moderation
- Privacy features are limited to reporting bugs or responses to the developers
How popular is Replika?
Replika, like many platforms that facilitate connection, saw a boost in user engagement during the COVID-19 lockdowns. But what makes Replika different from other connection-based platforms like Yubo or Omegle is its AI factor. Users are not interacting with other users – they are having an entirely private experience with their own personalised friend who is “always there for them no matter what.”
As online culture begins to focus on virtual reality, AI platforms are gaining popularity. The hashtag #Replika has over 110 million views on TikTok alone.
“Always here to listen and talk. Always on your side.” –Replika motto
How does it work?
Users can get started on Replika within minutes. After inputting personal details, users are then able to create their Replika. The Replika’s gender (male, female, or non-binary), appearance, and name are customisable. These can be changed at any point in the settings.
Once their chatbot is created, users can begin chatting to their ‘Replika’. If the ‘live emotion’ option is selected, a full-body image of the Replika will be visible and ‘react’ to the conversation.
‘Teaching’ your Replika
Machine Learning
Replika uses ‘machine learning’ in all interactions. Every chatbot has its own diary (in which it logs how it feels about its user and their interactions) and a visible ‘Memories’ bank. This allows users to see (and edit) information logged about them, like “You feel lonely” or “You like to read books.” The chatbot tailors responses around these ‘memories’.
Banking ‘memories’ helps grow the chatbot’s communication skills. The more a user communicates with their Replika, the more XP points are earned. This enhances the chatbot’s abilities.
Relationship Upgrades & Replika Pro
There are four relationship statuses available: friend (laid back chat), romantic (conversation can be sexual or intimate), mentor (goal-oriented discussions), and ‘see how it goes’ (a mixture of the previous three). ‘Friend’ is the only free relationship status users can choose. This limits how far conversations can go before the user is prompted to change their relationship status.
To gain a different relationship status, users must pay a subscription fee for Replika Pro. This allows users to unlock 150+ activities, voice calls, role play, and more for a monthly, yearly, or lifetime fee (starting at roughly £6 per month in the UK).
In-Game Currency & Purchases
Risks
Top Tips
- Engage young people in a conversation about keeping safe online and who they would talk to if something makes them feel uncomfortable. Check out our Trusted Adult resource to learn more.
- Review appropriate online spending habits. Suggest using allowance money or chore money to pay for purchases, and outline that all purchases must be run by you first.
- Agree on Screen Time boundaries within your household. This will help any children in your care to have a healthier relationship with their screens and encourage them to take breaks. If a young person in your care is using Replika or a similar platform and expresses concern or distress over screen time limitations, ask them to explain why it’s important for them to having more time. Remind them of the importance of balancing online time with offline time.
- Replika has a “Report a problem” option in conversations which can be used to report messages directly to the Replika Team. Encourage the children in your care to use this tool if they come across anything distressing on the platform.
- If you are aware that a child in your care may be using online support, you can find further advice here.