Paro also made me sad, cuz it made apparent the fact that these senior citizens were probably unable to fully take care of a living pet.
Though I’m not yet sure how I feel about AI companionship. Definitely prefer living breathing people, but I’ve gone through many transitions in my adult life where old friends simply aren’t available/around for a wide variety of reasons. Perhaps AI could alleviate some of the suffering that comes with growing old.
Due to the expected physical and cognitive decline, as well as the expected medical expenses and emotional pain, that comes with age…I don’t know, it makes me not want to make it to those last few decades.
On the flip side, it makes me less fearful of a more imminent death I suppose.