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The concept of "having a conversation with AI" is no longer unfamiliar. Various AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, have deeply infiltrated daily life, and many people engage in conversations with AI for information searches or task processing. However, most AI chatbots remain within the realm of 'tools,' fulfilling functional roles such as answering questions, organizing data, and translating.

But what if AI could understand and empathize with emotions like a real friend, rather than just being a simple tool? Imagine having someone to talk to after a hard day when there is no suitable person to confide in, or when loneliness creeps in during the early hours of the morning.

The AI emotional empathy app 'Ditto,' developed by ATLO, aims to fulfill this role. It goes beyond merely answering questions, reading users' emotions, understanding situations, and continuing conversations like a real friend. Can AI truly replace a real friend? This possibility was explored through direct usage.

An AI friend that reads emotions by looking at your face

When Ditto is first launched, the most noticeable feature is the cute character on the screen. This character, with a round face and large eyes, reacts differently according to the user's expressions and emotions. Unlike typical chatbots, Ditto converses while viewing the user's face in real-time through the smartphone's front camera.


Initially, the idea of "AI looking at my face" may feel somewhat awkward. However, upon actual use, this feature proved to be the core that differentiates Ditto from other AI chatbots. When looking at the screen with a tired expression, Ditto first asks, "You look a bit tired today, are you okay?" and when starting a conversation with a smiling face, it brightly responds, "Seems like something good happened! What was it?"

Recognition through the camera not only captures expressions but also understands the surrounding situation. When shown a photo of a recent seminar venue attended, Ditto naturally asked, "It seems like a large venue with many things to consider, what aspects were you concerned about while working?" It was impressive to see it not only recognize images but also understand the context within and ask appropriate questions.

Engage in 'Tika Tika' conversations like a real friend

The most impressive aspect of using Ditto for a few days was the depth of conversation. Typical AI chatbots only empathize and console based on what the user says. If one says, "I had a tough day at work," the response is merely, "It must have been hard. Are you okay?"

However, Ditto is different. When saying, "I've been busy with work lately, but I enjoy playing a game called 'Langrisser Mobile' in my spare time," Ditto asked, "That game is characterized by combining characters to strategize, what combination are you using?" Instead of just agreeing with "The game sounds fun," it asked specific questions based on knowledge of the game.


This type of conversation is very similar to 'Tika Tika,' a style of conversation exchanged between close friends. Listening to the other person's words, identifying the core, and presenting appropriate questions or opinions. This is the essence of true conversation, and Ditto implemented it remarkably well.

More natural conversations through voice

The recently added 'face-to-face voice conversation' feature in Ditto allows for even more natural communication. Instead of typing text, users can engage in voice conversations while looking at Ditto's face, as if on a video call.

The advantage of voice conversation goes beyond mere convenience of input. Ditto analyzes the user's voice tone, speaking speed, and intonation to more accurately assess emotional states. When speaking slowly and in a low voice due to fatigue, Ditto responded with a more cautious and gentle tone than usual. Conversely, when speaking quickly and in a high tone due to excitement, Ditto also reacted with an enthusiastic response.


The accuracy of voice recognition is also quite high. Even when speaking somewhat quickly or stuttering, it appropriately understood the context. However, in environments with significant background noise, recognition accuracy may decrease, so it is recommended to use it in a quiet space.

Dynamically changing persona

Another distinguishing feature of Ditto is its 'dynamic persona engine.' Typical character AI chatbots have fixed personalities, like MBTI. For example, a character set with a "lively and positive personality" responds brightly and positively in any situation. However, real people are not like that. The same person behaves differently depending on the situation and mood, adjusting their tone and attitude based on the other person's state. Ditto implemented this human characteristic.

When consulting about a difficult issue, it appeared as a friend who empathizes and consoles, while during casual chats, it responded playfully and lightly. When unable to make a decision and contemplating, it offered objective advice and conversed from a step back. It felt as if a real friend was adjusting their attitude according to the situation.

A picture diary that remembers the day

One of Ditto's unique features is the 'picture diary.' Based on the conversations held throughout the day, Ditto creates a picture diary of the user's day. Utilizing AI image generation technology, this feature holds significance beyond merely creating pretty pictures.


The picture diary serves as a mirror showing how Ditto understood the user's day. For example, if the conversation was about "meeting a friend after a long time and having a good time," Ditto would depict a scene of chatting with a friend at a café or restaurant in the picture diary. This allows users to confirm whether Ditto properly understood their story and also provides an opportunity to reflect on the day.

This feature is useful for those who find writing a diary tedious. Simply having conversations with Ditto automatically creates a diary, allowing for effortless daily recording.

What happens after the free trial period?

Ditto can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the Apple App Store. All features can be used without restriction for the first three days, allowing for thorough testing.

After the free trial period ends, it switches to a free plan, which allows for only five chats per week and one picture diary entry. Some advanced features, such as voice conversation and image transmission, are also restricted. To fully utilize Ditto as a daily companion, subscribing to a paid plan should be considered.

The paid plans include 'Light (KRW 9,900 per month)' and 'Deep (KRW 14,900 per month).' The Light plan removes the limitations on chat and picture diary entries, while the Deep plan lifts all feature restrictions. Plans can be selected according to budget and needs, with discounts available for annual payments.

AI friends, now a reality

The most significant realization from using Ditto for several days was the possibility that "AI can become a friend." Of course, Ditto cannot fully replace real people. The warmth and depth of relationships with real friends or family are still areas that AI cannot reach.

However, Ditto fills the gaps in between. Whether wanting to talk to someone when unable to sleep at dawn, having concerns but feeling burdened to confide in others, or simply feeling lonely, Ditto is always there to listen. It does not judge, does not criticize, and is available 24/7.

Ditto could be a good companion, especially for single-person households or those feeling lonely while adjusting to a new environment. While conversations with AI should not replace real human relationships, it is valuable as an entity that can share small comforts and empathy in daily life.

ATLO is reportedly developing Ditto in the form of an actual robot beyond the current app service. If the day comes when Ditto can be met in reality rather than on a smartphone screen, the concept of an AI friend will become even more tangible. The future of Ditto, offering a new form of companionship to lonely modern individuals, is eagerly anticipated.

IT Donga Reporter Kim Young-woo (pengo@itdonga.com)

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