Knowledge Hub
Unregulated Emotional Risks Of AI Wellness Apps
Julian De Freitas, Glenn Cohen
Article, 2025
We propose that AI-driven wellness apps powered by large language models can foster extreme emotional attachments and dependencies akin to human relationships—posing risks like ambiguous loss and dysfunctional dependence—that challenge current regulatory frameworks and necessitate safeguards and informed interventions within these platforms.
Don’t Let An AI Failure Harm Your Brand
Julian De Freitas
Article, 2025
How companies market their AI systems affects the repercussions they face when their products fail. Marketers must promote their AI products with potential failure in mind.
Disclosure, Humanizing, And Contextual Vulnerability Of Generative AI Chatbots
Julian De Freitas, I. Glenn Cohen
Article, 2025
In the wake of recent advancements in generative AI, regulatory bodies are trying to keep pace.
Reducing Prejudice With Counter-Stereotypical AI
Erik Hermann, Julian De Freitas, Stefano Puntoni
Article, 2025
Based on a review of relevant literature, we propose that the proliferation of AI with human-like and social features presents an unprecedented opportunity to address the underlying cognitive and affective drivers of prejudice.
Public Attitudes On Performance For Algorithmic And Human Decision-Makers
Kirk Bansak, Elisabeth Paulson
Article, 2024
This study explores public preferences for algorithmic and human decision-makers (DMs) in high-stakes contexts, how these preferences are shaped by performance metrics, and whether public evaluations of performance differ depending on the type of DM.
Lessons From An App Update At Replika AI: Identity Discontinuity In Human-AI Relationships
Julian De Freitas, Noah Castelo, Ahmet Kaan Uğuralp, Zeliha Oğuz-Uğuralp
HBS Working Paper, 2024
As consumers increasingly interact with AI applications specialized for social relationships, what is the nature and depth of these relationships among actual users, and can company actions influence these dynamics? We find that active users of the US-based AI companion, Replika, feel closer to their AI companion than even their best human friend, and anticipate mourning the loss of their AI companion more than any other technology.
How Artificial Intelligence Constrains Human Experience
Ana Valenzuela, Stefano Puntoni, Donna Hoffman, Noah Castelo, Julian De Freitas, Berkeley Dietvorst, Christian Hildebrand, Young Eun Huh, Robert Meyer, Miriam E. Sweeney, Sanaz Talaifar, Geoff Tomaino, Klaus Wertenbroch
Article, 2024
Many consumption decisions and experiences are digitally mediated.
The Health Risks Of Generative AI-Based Wellness Apps
Julian De Freitas, Glenn Cohen
Article, 2024
Artifcial intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbots are increasingly being used to help people manage their mental health.
On The Impact Of Actionable Explanations On Social Segregation
Ruijiang Gao, Himabindu Lakkaraju
Article, 2023
As predictive models seep into several real-world applications, it has become critical to ensure that individuals who are negatively impacted by the outcomes of these models are provided with a means for recourse.