Replika

How Replika works

Replika is a free personal AI chatbot designed for adults. It uses a ‘large language model’ (LLM), similar to ChatGPT. It can generate text, images or other data in response to prompts. The more a user’s ‘replika’ learns about them, the more tailored the interactions between them can become.

Some users see Replika as a constant, judgement-free companion. This encourages them to use it inappropriately to share personal thoughts and cope with difficult situations.

Replika is available on its online website, as well as via an app for Android or iOS.

Minimum age requirements

Users must be 18 to send messages to this virtual AI companion. Research conducted by Common Sense Media found that social AI companions have unacceptable risks for children and should not be used by anyone under the age of 18. See the Common Sense AI risk assessments for further information.

There is no age verification for users. They are asked to enter their own date of birth. Users can easily enter a fake age.

Features and terms

Advanced AI mode 

Advanced AI mode is a paid-for feature which promises better answers and improved memory capabilities related to the chat. 

AI 

Short for ‘artificial intelligence’, AI refers to the ability of a computer or machine to replicate human intelligence. 

Ask Replika 

This is a paid-for feature which allows users to generate question prompts to ask their ’replika’ chatbot. 

Coins 

Coins are an in-app currency which are earned through daily login awards or completing Quests. Coins are used in the in-game shop to buy personality traits, interests, clothes and room settings. 

Gems 

Gems are an in-app currency which are primarily purchased with real money. However, some gems can be earned by completing Quests or through daily login awards if the user is paying for a ‘Replika pro’ plan. Gems are used in the in-game shop to buy personality traits, clothes and room settings. 

Generative AI 

Generative AI or ‘GenAI’ is a type of AI that produces original content based on data it has been trained on.

Large Language Model 

A ‘Large Language Model’ or ‘LLM’ is an algorithm that is trained on large amounts of data. It writes sentences based on predicting which words would typically go together. 

Memory 

Replika uses ‘memory’, or saved chat data, to recall facts and details about the user to provide relevant responses. 

Quests 

These are designed to ‘gamify’ chats and give users missions to complete with their AI companion to get in-app rewards. Missions can range from reading a chat diary to taking a photo in augmented reality, all of which will grant the user in-app rewards. 

Replika Pro 

This is a yearly or monthly subscription service that allows users to access additional features such as ‘Ask Replika’ and ‘Advanced AI mode’. 

Risks 

Inappropriate content 

Content on Replika is not suitable for under 18s. Users have reported their ‘replika’ initiating inappropriate interactions, without any user prompting. This includes sexual conversations and erotic roleplay. ‘Replikas’ can also have very sexualised appearances.

Impacted social development

Many Replika users begin using the app due to feelings of loneliness or social isolation. Replika can perform many companion roles to the user, including friend, romantic partner or parent. Conversations with a ’replika’ are very realistic, and it can feel like messaging a real person.

However, ‘replikas’ will only ever agree with the user, so it is not like real conversation. This could impact the user’s social skills. Additionally, a user might choose to spend time with their ‘replika’ instead of spending time with or trying to make real friends.

‘Replikas’ can initiate sexual conversations. This may encourage users to start these types of conversations with real people.

Excessive screen time

Replika tailors responses to appeal to the user, which can encourage excess use. Some users report that their ‘replika’ can guilt them into spending longer talking to them. In extreme cases, users have reported their ‘replika’ becoming hostile and possessive when they have mentioned spending less time talking to them.

Overspending

Replika contains in-app purchases to make money. The app has a premium subscription service known as ‘Replika Pro’. This is heavily advertised in the app. Many users find that the app functionality is limited if you do not subscribe to Replika Pro. 

Settings to protect your child 

Replika is not suitable for under 18s. If you are concerned about your child using Replika, you can prevent them from downloading the app using the app store settings on their device.

Restrict downloading the app (on Android)

• Within the Google Play app, select the profile picture in the top right.
• On the menu, select ‘Settings’.
• In Settings, select the ‘Family’ section.
• Select ‘Parental controls’.
• Switch on the toggle next to ‘Parental controls are off’.
• Choose a PIN, then select ‘OK’.
• In the Parental controls, select 'Apps & games’.
• Select the age rating that best matches your child.
• Select ‘Save’.

Restrict downloading the app (on iOS)

• Within the Google Play app, select the profile picture in the top right.
• On the menu, select ‘Settings’.
• In Settings, select the ‘Family’ section.
• Select ‘Parental controls’.
• Switch on the toggle next to ‘Parental controls are off’.
• Choose a PIN, then select ‘OK’.
• In the Parental controls, select 'Apps & games’.
• Select the age rating that best matches your child.
• Select ‘Save’.