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"I think that self-limitation is the major limiting factor for most people in the world."
- Frank Herbert

Artificial Friend  
  An android companion for a child.  

‘Mom. Klara’s the one I want. I don’t want any other.’

‘One moment, Josie.’ Then she asked Manager: ‘Every Artificial Friend is unique, right?’

‘That’s correct, ma’am. And particularly so at this level.’

‘So what makes this one unique? This…Klara?’

‘Klara has so many unique qualities, we could be here all morning. But if I had to emphasize just one, well, it would have to be her appetite for observing and learning. Her ability to absorb absorb and blend everything she sees around her is quite amazing. As a result, she now has the most sophisticated understanding of any AF in this store, B3s not excepted.’

Technovelgy from Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2021
Additional resources -

Not everyone could afford an artificial friend:

‘Klara, you’re quite remarkable,’ Manager said, keeping her voice soft so as not to disturb Rosa and the others. ‘You notice and absorb so much.’ She shook her head as though in wonder. Then she said: ‘What you must understand is that we’re a very special store. There are many children out there who would love to be able to choose you, choose Rosa, any one of you here. But it’s not possible for them. You’re beyond their reach. That’s why they come to the window, to dream about having you. But then they get sad.’

Compare to Purza the Pukha from The Rowan (1990) by Anne McCaffrey.

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Additional resources:
  More Ideas and Technology from Klara and the Sun
  More Ideas and Technology by Kazuo Ishiguro
  Tech news articles related to Klara and the Sun
  Tech news articles related to works by Kazuo Ishiguro

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When Your Child's Best Friend Is An AI
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Does AI Provide A Way Forward For Talk Therapy

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