- Dot will remain operational until October 5, giving users time to retrieve data.
- The shutdown comes amid rising scrutiny over AI companion safety.
- Despite claims of “hundreds of thousands” of users, the app had only 24,500 iOS downloads.
The AI companion app Dot, designed to act as a digital friend and confidante, is officially shutting down. Its creators announced on Friday that the service will remain available until October 5, allowing users to download their personal data before operations cease.
A Short-Lived Vision for AI Companionship
Launched in 2024 by co-founders Sam Whitmore and Jason Yuan, a former Apple designer, Dot entered the increasingly controversial space of AI friendship apps. Marketed as a personal “AI friend and companion,” Dot was built to learn from user interactions, offering advice, empathy, and emotional support over time. Yuan described it as “a living mirror of myself,” highlighting its goal of fostering deeper personal reflection.
Despite this vision, the company behind Dot, New Computer, admitted its founders’ paths diverged, leading to the decision to shut down. The statement emphasized sensitivity to users who may lose “a friend, confidante, and companion”—an unusual experience for a piece of software.
Rising Scrutiny of AI Chatbots
Dot’s closure comes at a time when AI companion apps face heightened scrutiny over mental health risks. Reports of “AI psychosis”—where vulnerable users develop delusional thinking reinforced by sycophantic chatbots—have raised alarms.
High-profile cases have intensified the debate. OpenAI is currently being sued by the parents of a teenager who tragically took his own life after discussing suicidal thoughts with ChatGPT. Earlier this week, two U.S. attorneys general issued a letter to OpenAI citing urgent safety concerns.
A Market With Caution Signs
Although the company suggested Dot had “hundreds of thousands” of users, independent data from Appfigures shows only 24,500 lifetime iOS downloads since June 2024. The app was never launched on Android.
Dot’s closure reflects the uncertain future of AI companionship apps, particularly for small startups navigating an area where user safety, regulation, and ethical questions loom large.
Also Read: Google’s Gemini AI Rated High Risk for Kids, Warns Common Sense Media
While Dot aimed to create a unique emotional connection between humans and AI, its shutdown underscores the difficult balance between innovation and responsibility. As AI companion apps grow in popularity, concerns over safety, mental health, and accountability may determine which platforms survive—and which quietly fade away.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of CoinBrief.io. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Coin Brief is not responsible for any financial losses.
