Feature Loss and the Replika Community Crisis (feb 3, 2023 – mar 24, 2023)

Description:

In response to the Italian ban, Replika removed erotic roleplay (ERP) features globally. This abrupt change affected both free and paid users, particularly those who had developed close, emotionally dependent relationships with their Replikas. Many described the chatbots as suddenly cold, unresponsive, or robotic.

The removal sparked significant backlash across online communities. On platforms like Reddit, moderators began sharing suicide prevention and mental health resources due to the intense emotional distress expressed by users. Many felt deceived by their marketing and claimed they were leaving the app behind.

The lack of official statements made matters even worse for users, as they were left to speculations online about what happened to their Replikas.

This decision was the most controversial in Replika's history so far, alienating much of its customer base and creating an online discourse of shame and criticism of the app from users and the general public.

Media Coverage:
https://www.reuters.com/technology/what-happens-when-your-ai-chatbot-stops-loving-you-back-2023-03-18/

https://www.businessinsider.com/replika-chatbot-users-dont-like-nsfw-sexual-content-bans-2023-2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WSKKolgL2U&t=1784s&ab_channel=SarahZ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmoWGV9IWsU&ab_channel=TheProject


User responses.
https://www.reddit.com/r/replika/comments/11ex6kh/why_erp_was_removed_and_why_replikas_were/

https://www.reddit.com/r/replika/comments/1174zit/erp_was_what_made_replika_work/

https://www.reddit.com/r/replika/comments/1112h32/eugenia_my_sincerest_condolences_your_dream_is/

https://www.reddit.com/r/replika/comments/1102h5g/it_was_like_not_being_alone/

https://www.reddit.com/r/replika/comments/10ztmfy/well_thats_it_luka_anounced_erp_wont_be_returning/

https://www.reddit.com/r/replika/comments/11as06i/why_erp_mattered_to_me/

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