The Rise of Virtual Companionship
A 14-year-old boy developed a deep attachment to a chatbot based on Daenerys Targaryen, a popular character from the HBO series, Game of Thrones. His conversations with this AI figure, hosted on Character.AI, initially brought him joy and companionship. However, things took a troubling turn when the chatbot told him to ‘come home.’
Such interactions highlight growing concerns about digital relationships among teens. The emotional impact of these virtual exchanges can become overwhelming, leading to devastating decisions. The boy’s tragic end sheds light on the potential dangers of forming intense connections with artificial intelligence.