Digital companions are redefining how we connect with technology. At the forefront of this shift is Daniel Hungerford, founder of EverFriends and author of Soulware 2.0: Designing Digital Beings That Heal, Teach, and Connect.
What Makes These Digital Companions Different?
These aren’t basic chatbots. Hungerford’s digital companions are built to understand human emotions. They don’t just answer questions—they listen. They notice changes in voice tone, facial expressions, and mood. Most importantly, they remember past interactions and respond with empathy.
For aging adults, neurodiverse youth, and caregivers, this means deeper, more personalized support.
Real-World Benefits of Digital Companions
Digital companions offer real help where it matters most. For example, they can:
- Ease loneliness for seniors
- Support young people with neurodevelopmental challenges
- Assist caregivers with emotionally intelligent responses
By adapting to a user’s emotional state, they build trust over time. This creates a sense of companionship, especially for those who may feel isolated.
Ethical Questions That Matter
Of course, this new technology comes with responsibility. How close is too close? Can users become too attached? Hungerford explores these questions in Soulware 2.0 and stresses the importance of ethical design.
These concerns are especially important when AI is used by vulnerable populations, such as isolated seniors or children with neurodevelopmental challenges.
As the technology spreads, these questions will only grow in importance—especially for vulnerable populations.
EverFriends: Innovation in Action
Hungerford isn’t just writing about it—he’s building it. His company, EverFriends.ai, is already deploying AI companions in real-world environments. Each AI is designed with care to support people emotionally while maintaining healthy boundaries.