Reading
What I'm reading
Research, policy documents, and studies that inform how I evaluate companion devices. Organized by topic, annotated with what I found useful and why.
Companion robots & social isolation
Research on whether companion devices actually reduce loneliness — and under what conditions.
Harmful Traits of AI Companions
arXiv>cs · 2025
This paper proposes a framework for analyzing how AI companionship can harm users, mapping specific traits like lack of natural relationship endpoints and vulnerability to product shutdowns back to their causes and forward to effects on autonomy, human relationships, and society. It examines 18 potentially harmful traits, explores where existing law falls short, and offers design recommendations for reducing risk. Fair minded in looking at all sides, specific in effects and proposals, and interesting.
Privacy & ethics in elder care technology
Always-on devices in the homes of vulnerable people. The stakes are high.
Policy & regulatory landscape
Where governments and institutions are drawing lines — or failing to.
This page is updated as I find new material worth sharing. It's not exhaustive — it's what I've actually read and found useful. If you know of something I should see, let me know.