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> AI girlfriend/boyfriend simulators are already real, they directly target those groups. That is not at all the point or use case i was referring to (but it i

> AI girlfriend/boyfriend simulators are already real, they directly target those groups. That is not at all the point or use case i was referring to (but it is totally a real use of social media). Using queer people as the example, a lot of young people turn to social media to see adults being happy and queer because they don’t see any examples IRL. There are a lot of laws being passed in the US to target trans people, for example, so a Floridian trans youth may watch a YouTube channel of a trans person in a far away city living a safe, fulfilling life, as inspiration for their own future. Similarly, but more pedestrian, I knew plenty of people in high school who watched “day in the life of <profession>” videos, or “come with me on my first day at <university>” videos. They help people visualize their future, or decide between different futures. I used YouTubers’ videos to help me choose between different universities. When I moved to a new city, I followed local influencers to get an idea for things to do and places to visit. Definitely less toxic. These videos can be fake, but if it’s not grounded in reality then it’s really not the intended purpose of watching it.

constantcrying 3y ago
>but if it’s not grounded in reality then it’s really not the intended purpose of watching it. Who cares? If you can't tell whether it is real or not, where is the difference. AI can generate homosexual couples just as well as others. I don't get what your point here is. >They help people visualize their future No, they help people fantasize, which is an extremely destructive behaviour. >I used YouTubers’ videos to help me choose between different universities. When I moved to a new city, I followed local influencers to get an idea for things to do and places to visit. Definitely less toxic. Completely unimaginable to me. Also an extremely easy way to get manipulated.
- stubybubs 3y ago
  > No, they help people fantasize, which is an extremely destructive behaviour. Fantasize about being a doctor or lawyer or engineer or really anything is destructive? Everything I have done in my life was once a fantasy. I mean is watching a resident talk about their life in a YouTube video worse than me watching ER in the 90s?

constantcrying 3y ago

>but if it’s not grounded in reality then it’s really not the intended purpose of watching it. Who cares? If you can't tell whether it is real or not, where is the difference. AI can generate homosexual couples just as well as others. I don't get what your point here is. >They help people visualize their future No, they help people fantasize, which is an extremely destructive behaviour. >I used YouTubers’ videos to help me choose between different universities. When I moved to a new city, I followed local influencers to get an idea for things to do and places to visit. Definitely less toxic. Completely unimaginable to me. Also an extremely easy way to get manipulated.

stubybubs 3y ago
> No, they help people fantasize, which is an extremely destructive behaviour. Fantasize about being a doctor or lawyer or engineer or really anything is destructive? Everything I have done in my life was once a fantasy. I mean is watching a resident talk about their life in a YouTube video worse than me watching ER in the 90s?