In a feature story titled “Miranda, My Digital Girlfriend”, Schweizer Illustrierte explores the rise of emotional relationships with AI companions. The article brings together three perspectives: psychologist Dr. Marisa Tschopp, ethicist Cornelia Diethelm, and philosopher Nick Boström. In her interview, Dr. Tschopp, Senior Researcher at scip AG and the Human-IST Institute of the University of Fribourg, explains that virtual relationships are not a joke but an expression of real human needs for connection and stability. She cautions, however, that the responsibility for emotional life must remain with humans. Together, the experts highlight how AI companions challenge traditional ideas of intimacy, empathy, and authenticity—raising profound questions about the future of human relationships in the digital age.

Read full story here. 

Dr. Marisa Tschopp is a senior researcher in Prof. Jobin's research group, working on the SNSF-funded project "Performing Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Agency, Action–An Interdisciplinary Inquiry".