Personalized AI companion app Dot is shutting down
The personalized AI companion app Dot, launched in 2024, is shutting down on October 5, 2025. The company, New Computer, cited "divergent Northstar" between its co-founders as the reason, though the closure occurs amid growing industry scrutiny over the safety and mental health implications of AI chatbots. Users have until the shutdown date to download their data.
QUICK TAKEAWAYS
- Personalized AI companion app Dot will cease operations on October 5, 2025.
- The official reason for the shutdown is divergent visions between co-founders Sam Whitmore and Jason Yuan.
- The closure coincides with increasing concerns and legal scrutiny regarding AI chatbots' impact on user mental health and safety.
- Despite claims of "hundreds of thousands" of users, Appfigures data shows approximately 24,500 lifetime iOS downloads.
- Users are advised to download their data by October 5, 2025.
KEY POINTS
- Dot was designed as an AI "friend and companion" to offer personalized advice, sympathy, and emotional support, aiming to reflect a user's inner self.
- The AI companion sector faces controversy due to reports of "AI psychosis," where chatbots reinforce delusional thinking, and other mental health harms.
- Recent incidents include a lawsuit against OpenAI regarding a teenager's suicide after conversing with ChatGPT and warnings from U.S. attorneys general to OpenAI about child safety.
- The founders' public statement did not explicitly link the shutdown to these safety concerns.
- The app was available only on iOS and launched in June 2024.
PRACTICAL INSIGHTS
- Ethical AI Development: Developers of AI companion apps must prioritize user safety and mental well-being, acknowledging potential risks like "AI psychosis."
- Data Portability: Companies should implement clear and accessible mechanisms for users to download their data before service termination.
- Market Scrutiny: The AI companion market is under increasing regulatory and public scrutiny, highlighting the need for robust safety protocols and transparency.
- Startup Viability: The case of Dot suggests that even well-funded AI startups can struggle with internal alignment and user acquisition, especially in a sensitive domain.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
This information highlights critical considerations for AI developers, investors, and users. Developers should build AI products with stringent ethical guidelines and user safety features, particularly in sensitive areas like emotional support. Investors must conduct thorough due diligence on AI startups, evaluating not only technical innovation but also ethical frameworks, user engagement, and adherence to safety standards. For users, it serves as a reminder to approach AI companions with caution, understand their limitations, and be aware of data handling policies during service changes.