The quasi-domestication of social chatbots

The case of Replika

Bibliographic Data

ID6443473
AuthorsGina Neff (0000-0001-9090-924X, Queen Mary University of London, UK; University of Cambridge, UK), P Nagy (0000-0003-0713-9403, Arizona State University)
Year2025
Volume27
Issue10
Pages5508-5524
Publication date2025-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueNew Media & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1461-4448 • E-ISSN: 1461-7315
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/14614448251359218
OpenAlexW4414812353
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited42

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

AI in Service Interactions · Digital Media and Philosophy · Social Robot Interaction and HRI

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