What do people say about Replika, an AI chatbot, on social media? Investigating diverse perspectives on the implications of Replika through a topic modeling analysis
Jihyun Kim, Xianlin Jin, Kun Xu, Xiaobei Chen, Hocheol Yang · The Social Science Journal · 2024
Replika serves as an AI companion to its users, attracting substantial attention since its public debut with its popularity on the rise. To delve deeper into the broader implications of Replika beyond its user base, this study investigates the discussions and interpretations surrounding Replika among various groups on Twitter (currently named as X). Using topic modeling analysis, the research identifies nine primary topics, predominantly reflecting perspectives from the general public and developer. These findings shed light on the diverse ways people discuss the uses and implications of Replika. Ultimately, this study offers a macro-level perspective on the Replika phenomenon and opens avenues for future research exploration.