The notion of AI companions may seem abnormal for anyone who isn’t an early adopter, but the market for AI companions will likely see significant growth in the years to come, given the increased sense of loneliness around the globe. The more a user shares, the more the AI companion gets to adjust their traits to the user. In short, we must stop treating AI companions like harmless novelty apps and start seeing them for what they are: powerful, emotionally manipulative technologies that can shape users’ thoughts, feelings, and actions.