Key Takeaways
- Advanced AI is evolving from simple tools into persistent, memory-equipped agents.
- Current terms like “assistants” or “copilots” describe function but not the developing relationship.
- A suggestion is to categorize these advanced AI agents as “Friends.”
- This term reflects qualities like trust, familiarity, and continuity in our interaction with AI.
- A common term helps frame discussions around the societal and philosophical impact of these agents.
As artificial intelligence grows more sophisticated, moving beyond simple commands to become ongoing companions with memory and goals, we face a new question: what should we call them?
It’s not just about brand names. We need a term that captures the kind of relationship we’re forming with these evolving digital entities.
Years ago, the author of a piece in Forbes suggested calling them “Friends,” an idea that feels increasingly relevant today.
Currently, we might call them agents, assistants, copilots, or even digital twins. These labels describe what they do – their utility – but not how we connect with them.
Anyone interacting with today’s advanced AI, especially those that remember past conversations and context, often feels they are more than just tools. A relationship starts to form.
Consider Eric Schmidt’s playful idea of naming his future AI “Not-Eric.” It highlights how we might see these agents: distinct yet connected reflections of ourselves, like a mirror or a shadow.
The term “Friend,” according to the article, captures this dynamic well. It suggests mutual engagement and familiarity without wrongly implying the AI is human or feels emotions like we do.
It signals the trust and continuity we’ll likely want from agents designed to know our preferences, track goals, and maybe even offer helpful disagreement.
While we’ll all give our personal AI agents unique nicknames or functional titles, having a shared category name helps us discuss this significant technological shift in society, policy, and philosophy.
“Friend” serves as a reminder that the quality of our connection with these increasingly present AI agents matters.
If developed thoughtfully, focusing on care and character, the author suggests “Friend” might eventually feel less like a metaphor and more like an accurate description of our bond with these digital companions.
