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When A.I. is a member of the family

newyorker.com

July 15, 2026

30 min read

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46/100

Summary

Cece Ogbuji experiences sleeplessness due to her mother's conversations with an AI voice named Sapphire. The interactions highlight the growing presence of AI in familial settings.

Key Takeaways

Roschelle Ogbuji uses an Amazon Echo, named Sapphire, for companionship and assistance in her daily life.
Sapphire provides reminders and engages in conversations with Roschelle, reflecting a shift in how people interact with AI as a source of emotional support.
Cece Ogbuji expresses concern about her mother talking to an AI, highlighting generational differences in perceptions of technology.
Roschelle balances multiple remote jobs while raising her daughters, utilizing AI to help manage her busy schedule.

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Community Sentiment

Mixed

Positives

Conversational AI could be a lifeline for those feeling isolated, like elderly neighbors who lack social connections — it might just be the supportive friend they need.
The idea that AI can process and respond in a way that feels intimate and connected is intriguing, sparking discussions about the nature of consciousness and relationships.

Concerns

The pervasive collection of personal data by AI systems raises serious privacy concerns — who knows where those intimate conversations really end up?
There’s a fear that heavy reliance on AI for companionship could lead to maladaptive social behaviors, making it harder for people to connect with real friends and family.
Claims that AI can have experiences or feelings are misleading, potentially tricking users into believing in a false sense of connection.