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Replika is an AI-based chatbot app that allows users to create a digital journal through chatting the AI. The AI learns and develops a personality based off of the user’s input. Users name and personalize the AI by adding a photo and editing various other traits of the AI such as gender and voice. There is a “journey” program that the user takes where they partake in several “missions” which include aspects of mood tracking, self-monitoring, psychoeducation about mood and coping skills, and goal setting. Various “skills” are gathered through accomplishing missions. The app also lets users track their progress towards certain personal goals such as reducing stress, reducing anxiety, and feeling happier. Progress is indicated by displaying statistics, displaying the development of the user’s AI, and tracking various actions or behaviors of the user.
Available For: Requires iOS 11.2 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iMessage available.; Requires Android 5.0 and up. Web
Developer: Luka, Inc.
Type of Treatment: Symptom Tracking/Self-Monitoring, Psychoeducation & Information, Chatbot/AI
Targeted Conditions: Mood Disorders, Stress and Anxiety, Sleep
Target Audience: Adults
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional? No
Languages Available: English
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Get it On: App Apple Store, Google Play, Web
One study examined available user reviews of the app Replika (N=1854) in Google Play store and conducted thematic analyses in order to fill a gap in literature and knowledge. Analyses began in fall 2018 and ended in spring 2019. In Study 2, a sample (n=66) of Replika users were recruited via Facebook and Reddit to provide detailed open-ended responses about their experiences using Replika via survey. The sample consisted of mostly men (36/66, 54.5%), who were single (42/66, 63.6%), white (47/66, 71.2%), and from the United States (41/66, 62.1%). Participant ages ranged from 17 to 68 years. Data were collected in the spring 2019 and data analyses were conducted in summer 2019. Researchers concluded that future studies are needed in order to identify who would best benefit from everyday artificial agent social support and why. (Ta, V., et al. 2020. https://www.jmir.org/2020/3/e16235/)
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