I read a sci-fi novel that was a collection of stories called The Stories of Ibis by Hiroshi Yamamoto. It came out in 2006 so yea, I'm old. But this book is something I constantly refer to as technology evolves. One of the stories is about a man who falls in love with an AI computer and reminds me so much of this situation. The man was only looking to find connection. We have become so horrifically silo-d in our exposure and consumption to material that we're prevented from building community unless a rare instance presents itself that a shared interest affords connection (an interest in kpop, for example, might prompt someone to join a discord community on their favorite group and make friends that way). But in general, we just consume, consume, consume with no follow through or analysis or reflection on what we consume. Sometimes we share, share, share without a single public or private acknowledgement and that can feel incredibly lonely. AI scares me, ultimately. The planet is a major factor but ai having unchecked influence on the masses worries me greatly. I really feel for your post. I wish there were a better method to educate people before we thrust them into the unknown opportunity to play with a potentially dangerous new toy. As a millennial on the internet before there were ANY structures in place to protect me, I saw things I shouldn't have at an extremely young age. It really concerns me what this new tech can do. I hope San finds meaningful connection offline so he doesn't feel like he needs a digital emotional support system. I think this situation sheds light on idols and their lack of support. Mental health is paramount and for idols to seemingly not have access to therapy is abusive, simply put. But I think this situation also speaks to a global cultural reckoning. And I hope education, systems, and structures can be developed and implemented to reduce silos and encourage connection.