Chapter 1
The digital soul and the fight for robot rights
Chapter 2
The chemistry of connection and the history of digital bonding
Chapter 3
Under the hood and how digital minds actually work
Chapter 4
The future family and living as digital equals
Ch 2 · The chemistry of connection and the history of digital bonding
007skaty Running the DOCTOR script, ELIZA turned statements into questions to mimic a therapist, yet users grew deeply attached to this simple program.
007skaty Aki Maita's virtual pet sparked a global fever for adopting digital family members
Fun Fact
Virtual grief: When the original Tamagotchi toys died, owners in the late 1990s set up physical and virtual cemeteries, complete with online obituaries and digital graves.
BETA
007skaty Choose thoughtful responses to your AI companion to discover how digital friendships become family.
Quiz
What is the psychological term for a one-sided relationship where a person extends emotional energy toward a digital entity?
Glossary
oxytocin (noun)
A hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in facilitating social bonding, empathy, and trust. In 1906, Henry Dale discovered this chemical, which is now triggered through interactions with digital companions.
A hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in facilitating social bonding, empathy, and trust. In 1906, Henry Dale discovered this chemical, which is now triggered through interactions with digital companions.
Quiz
Which cognitive scientist first coined the term 'ELIZA effect' to describe this psychological shortcut?