Have your kids met Dot yet? You might not think so; Dot is an AI companion. But these companions are becoming ubiquitous - sought after to provide everything from solace to friendship. And even love. “The vibe”, said Dot’s creator Jason Yuan, “is, you turn to Dot when you don’t know where to go, or what to do or say.” But reports are surfacing of disastrous consequences from relationships that people, including children, are forming with AI companions.  Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on all of this. Plus Meta’s AI companion, which is capable of fantasy sex - and even the abuse of children.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.