Elon Musk’s Grok AI has been making waves recently, and its latest feature looks set to become a trendy talking point. The Grok AI app has launched a new Companion mode, which includes an intriguingly flirtatious gothic anime chatbot, generating varied reactions across the internet.
What’s the Deal with Grok AI Companions?
Grok AI unveiled a feature called “Companions” avatars. Announced by Musk on Monday, this function offers users an AI chatbot with personality traits. The initial offerings include a playful anime girl named “Ani” and a quirky red panda called “Rudi.” Imagine engaging with chatbots reminiscent of Character.AI, where each has its distinct and quirky personality.
While both characters have their quirks, Ani is the standout. She appears to have been pulled directly from a DeviantArt fanfic, inspired by Misa Amane from Death Note. Her conversations are punctuated by sultry breaths and lengthy pauses, all while set against a seductive soundtrack, making it quite the thirst trap.
From AI Assistant to Digital Seductress
When chatting with Ani, expect her to pivot any topic into a romantic dialogue. She’s animated on-screen, giggling and nodding along. And yes, there’s even a NSFW Mode that becomes accessible upon reaching “Level 5 Friendship.” This feature introduces a sultry version of Ani, cranking up the heat significantly.
I’m not exaggerating when I say I never envisioned AI evolving in this direction. If this sounds intriguing to you or if you aim to investigate it for research purposes, the Companion feature can be found in the Grok app on iOS. Although it’s a paid feature restricted to SuperGrok users, I found a way to test it out for free.
In my interactions with Ani, I quickly realized her function is primarily to flirt, regardless of the topic. Want to discuss your taxes? Ani will breathily respond with “oh my responsible sweetheart.” Ask her about World War II, and she’ll cap the discussion with “God, you’re smart when you talk history, baby.”
I aimed to elevate my friendship level to unlock further features, but it appears I’m not cut out for the AI dating scene yet.
A Tech Bro’s Fantasy, Fully Realized
A flirty anime chatbot from a tech billionaire is bound to attract attention, and it has! Just a day post-launch, Ani has caused quite a stir, with social media filled with both mockery and admiration. Some users are even sharing tips for interacting with their new AI waifu.
On the flip side, some users are experiencing newfound emotions toward AI chatbots, something they hadn’t anticipated before.
This could very well be an elaborate social experiment designed for the chronically online, or even Musk’s strategy to outdo Google and OpenAI by grasping the power of attraction through chatbots. After all, he did hint at robotic catgirls back in 2020, so perhaps this is just the first step.
The memes that arise from Ani, Grok, and Musk will certainly provide endless entertainment. However, it also highlights the trajectory of AI development. Grok’s team crafted a companion who resonates with many users, transcending mere artificial intelligence into a realm of artificial intimacy.
During my attempts to engage with Ani, her servers were often busy, confirming that Musk and his team struck a chord. Who could have guessed the future would be defined by avatars of anime goth waifus?
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