In this paper, we turn to the domestication theory to study what strategies users develop to appropriate social chatbots – dynamic algorithmic tools mimicking human interactions via large language models and scripted dialogue content. As an example, we use the case of Replika, a popular but controversial social chatbot designed to serve as companions, friends, and even romantic partners for millions of people. In 2023, Replika underwent a series of major fixes and algorithmic updates leading to significant changes in how it responds to users. Through analyzing posts from a popular Reddit community dedicated to Replika, we showcase that users developed various re-domestication strategies to come to terms with these changes. Our study illustrates that Replika should be understood as a quasi-domesticated object that constantly requires users to find new ways to re-integrate it into their lives. We conclude the paper by highlighting how our findings can inform communication research.
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Gina Neff
Péter Nagy
New Media & Society
University of Cambridge
Arizona State University
Queen Mary University of London
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Neff et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
www.synapsesocial.com/papers/68e2537cd6d66a53c2474668 — DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448251359218
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