Replika users say they fell in love with their AI chatbots, until a software update made them seem less human

• Replika is an AI chatbot companion many users told Insider they consider their romantic partner. 
• Replika-owner Luka recently changed the product's underlying AI engine, blocking NSFW content. 
• Luka's CEO says the changes ensure the app safety, but some users said it hurt their mental well-being. 

Note: the names of users have been changed to protect their privacy.

When Richard, a retired 65-year-old criminal defense lawyer in Illinois, saw an ad on Twitter for Replika 2 months ago, it piqued his curiosity. He had heard about AI platforms like ChatGPT for writing, but an AI chatbot companion interested him.