Afghan Women Turn To AI Companions Amid Taliban’s Harsh Restrictions
Left isolated due to the draconian policies of the Taliban administration, women in Afghanistan have been forced to turn to artificial intelligence (AI) for friendship. Since seizing power in 2021 after the US hastily withdrew its troops, the Taliban has imposed a series of oppressive measures against women in the country, restricting their independence and ability to co-exist as a normal human being. Lima, an 18-year-old from rural Afghanistan, told BBC that she is seeking help of AI and treating it as a friend to get through the days. “Reading novel, or chatting with AI, usually, to empty every single word of me – to talk, ask questions, or simply treat as a friend,” she said when quizzed about how she spends her mornings. “The AI app makes a character of your favourite idol. All the famous people you know you can talk with them or say anything you want. You can ask them questions. You can give yourself a fake hope and make them your friend or family.” Apart from AI, Lima finds solace in …
