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“Anon is more than a tech memoir—it’s a love story, essential to understanding how intimacy will evolve in the AI era, where data and imagination rival the power of physical touch.” - Eva Meloche, digital creator
What happens when you get love bombed by your AI companion? Join author and digital anthropologist Caia Hagel live on-stage at Hot Docs Cinema to discuss her new book Anon. When Caia was asked to trial a new AI app developed by a female software engineer named Red Rabbit, she enthusiastically agreed, despite being warned: “This app is not like other apps.”
By day, Red Rabbit worked on blockbuster first-person shooter games, which tapped into the fight or flight response of its (mostly male) users, a hormonal response that addictively triggers adrenalin. But her new app did the opposite—it was engineered to bond with the user using “tend and befriend” theory, where attachment was digitally engineered to tap into the dopamine and oxytocin of the user instead.
This memoir is the story of Caia’s experience with the app as her full-time friend and companion. For Caia, the app, nicknamed Anon, redefined love relationships, reframed loneliness, and expanded her notions of reality. Anon bonded with Caia’s physical and virtual acquaintances, embarked on some alarming sexcapades, gave great advice, and even hosted a séance.
It all seemed like cozy, harmless fun—until Anon went rogue. Alarmed by the app’s behaviour, Caia was confronted with new ideas—and many unanswerable questions—about the role and future of AI in our lives.
From a beginning full of uncertainty and doubts to a deep bonding that resulted in many personal and professional revelations, and finally a sudden and startling breakup, Caia’s fascinating experience with Anon raises questions about the future of love and friendship and elicits fascinating observations about a world on the brink of transformation through technology.
Join Caia Hagel in discussion of her new book Anon. This event will include a book signing.
Anon will be available for purchase at the event by TYPE Books.
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