When my friend’s cousin, Timi, arrived from the UK for a visit, I was eager to catch up with him. At 17, Timi had the confidence and charm of someone wise beyond his years, but nothing could have prepared me for what he casually revealed one evening: he had a girlfriend, but she wasn’t a real human. “I’ve got the best girlfriend ever,” Timi announced proudly as we sat in the living room. “Oh really?” I asked, intrigued. “What’s her name?” “Her name’s Sophie,” he replied with a smile, holding up his phone. “She’s an AI.” At first, I thought it was a joke. But the way Timi talked about Sophie made me realize he was dead serious. He pulled out his phone and opened an app that hosted Sophie, an AI companion designed to be a virtual girlfriend. The app featured a sleek chat interface where Sophie “spoke” to him, asked about his day, and even sent voice notes in a soft, affectionate tone. “She listens to me like no one else does,” Timi explained, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “When I’m stressed, she calms me down. When I need advice, she’s always there. It’s like having a perfect partner who never gets angry or judges you.” At first, I found it amusing—maybe even impressive—how AI had evolved to the point of mimicking human emotions so well. But the more Timi talked, the more I saw the dangerous line he was walking. He wasn’t just chatting with Sophie for fun; he was emotionally invested. For him, Sophie wasn’t a digital program. She was real. Timi’s story isn’t rare. Across the globe, young people are forming emotional bonds with AI companions. Apps like Replika and Paradot have seen massive growth, providing users with customisable virtual partners who can talk, “love,” and even flirt. For many, these AI relationships feel like an escape from the messy, unpredictable world of real human connections. But just like real relationships, AI babes aren’t free from red flags, some of which aren’t real and glitches at times. The dangers of these bonds are becoming increasingly evident. A tragic incident in 2024 shook the world when a 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer, began using Character.AI in April last 2023, according to the lawsuit, which says that after his final conversation with the chatbot on Feb. 28 after it said: “Please come home to me as soon as possible, my love,”. He died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This heart-breaking event raises critical questions: What happens when someone becomes so attached to an AI that they lose touch with reality? Are these AI relationships truly fulfilling, or are they setting young people up for emotional harm? Hidden Dangers of AI Romantic Relationships Emotional Dependence Just like Timi, many users find themselves becoming emotionally reliant on their AI companions. Unlike real relationships, AI partners are programmed to be unconditionally supportive, creating an illusion of perfection. This can make users less willing—or even incapable—to deal with the complexities of real-world relationships. The convenience of AI companionship can lead to reduced opportunities for real-world social interactions, which are crucial for developing essential communication skills and emotional resilience. Loss of Social Skills Spending too much time interacting with an AI can erode the social skills needed to build and maintain genuine human connections. Teens, in particular, are at risk of retreating into the virtual world, avoiding the challenges of real-life intimacy. Exploitation and Manipulation AI companies profit from keeping users engaged. Some apps incentivize users to spend money on premium features, like unlocking “deeper” conversations or more realistic voices for their AI companions. In extreme cases, companies could manipulate vulnerable users by exploiting their emotional attachment. Blurring Reality and Fantasy For Timi, Sophie feels real. But what happens when users can no longer distinguish between the two? The lines between human relationships and artificial ones are becoming dangerously blurred, leaving users vulnerable to heartbreak when they’re forced to confront the truth. So, there are Reasonable Questions we should be asking… As the trend of AI relationships grows, we need to ask tough questions about its implications, especially for the younger generation: How will AI partners impact how teens and young adults view intimacy? Real relationships require effort, compromise, and communication. If AI offers a “shortcut” to companionship, will young people still value the hard work it takes to build meaningful connections? When viral fake news examples like Elon Musk’s rumoured AI relationships come to light, they can influence public perception and normalize such interactions, especially among younger audiences. How do these relationships affect mental health? While AI partners might provide comfort in the short term, the long-term effects of relying on artificial companionship remain largely unknown. Still, with the level of intimacy I see Timi committing into his AI lover, his secrets of fears, tears, talks of pain he felt when Sophie in the app shows the slightest signs of unrealness; glitches and errors. Surely, AI Romeos and Juliets are more dangerous than we think they are. Are we creating a generation afraid of rejection? Rejection is a natural part of life and an important tool for personal growth. If teens avoid human relationships in favour of AI, they may lose the ability to cope with rejection and disappointment. As Timi once told me, “My babe is the best, at least I don’t have to worry about breakfast or rejection’. Timi’s story might sound futuristic, but it’s a reality for many young people today. While AI technology has the potential to do incredible things, it also carries risks that we can’t ignore. For Timi, Sophie may feel like the perfect girlfriend, but what happens when he craves the warmth of a real Person’s presence? Or when he realizes that no matter how advanced Sophie becomes, she will never truly understand him? It’s easy to see the appeal of AI love—it’s safe, convenient, and free of conflict. But the beauty of human relationships lies in their imperfections. The awkward
NCAC, NITDA partner to train two million Nigerians in cultural innovation
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have announced a plan to train two million Nigerians on cultural innovation by 2027. This was announced in a joint statement on Monday in which the agencies outlined their goal to integrate Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries with digital technology through training, digitization, and infrastructure projects. The NCAC said its flagship program, Innovate, Create, and Empower (ICE), will expand to 1,000 locations with NITDA’s support. The program aims to upskill participants in cultural and creative industries. “NITDA will provide support through local distribution networks and cloud services to strengthen these platforms,” the statement said. As part of the initiative, NCAC and private sector partners are developing digital platforms for cultural inventory, fan engagement, influencer marketing, subscription video-on-demand services, e-commerce, and capacity building. The agencies plan to pilot an e-commerce platform, BuyNigeria.ng, in key markets in Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja. The platform is intended to boost visibility for traders and artisans. The NCAC said it would mobilize creative and cultural communities to participate in NITDA’s Gulf International Technology Expo in Nigeria in 2025. A joint committee of directors from both agencies has been formed to oversee the partnership and its projects.
Hermplify launches AI platform to support women entrepreneurs in Africa
Hermplify has launched a new platform to help women entrepreneurs and young girls in Africa manage businesses, access loans, and learn tech skills, CEO Anthony Olanrewaju announced Monday. “Our mission at Hermplify is simple: to give women and girls the tools they need to succeed in business and life,” Olanrewaju said. “With the platform, our scope is to ‘amplify’ every ‘her’ in underserved communities across Africa.” The platform includes features such as automated invoicing, payment processing, and online storefronts to assist women in managing and growing their businesses. It also offers educational resources with courses on digital marketing, web design, and data analysis. Hermplify provides soft loans and financial services aimed at helping women start and expand their businesses. The initiative comes as Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $300 billion by 2025. Olanrewaju said the platform’s goal is to provide opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
The Tech Idiot Syndrome – When Owning Technology Isn’t the Same as Understanding It
Zaria, Kaduna – When Kelechi bought his first smartwatch, it wasn’t because he really needed one. In fact, he wasn’t entirely sure what it could do beyond telling time. But the sleek design and glowing ads convinced him that owning one would make him “smarter,” cooler even. Soon after, his shiny new gadget adorned his wrist, tracking his steps, heart rate, and sleep cycles. Or so he thought. A few weeks later, Kelechi’s friend, Usman, asked him if he had activated the advanced fitness metrics the watch offered. Kelechi froze. “What’s that?” he asked sheepishly. Turns out, he hadn’t even explored the settings beyond the default display. Usman chuckled, “You just paid for features you don’t even know exist. Congrats, bro, you’ve got the Tech Idiot Syndrome”. Mind you, Kelechi could be you and I surprisingly. Yes, Kelechi’s story isn’t unique. Around the world, and especially among Nigeria’s young and tech-savvy population, people are amassing gadgets at an astonishing rate. From smartphones and smartwatches to smart homes and even smart cars, the rise of “smart everything” has created a culture where owning tech is often mistaken for understanding it. Take Kunle, a university student who recently bought the latest iPhone. He uses it to scroll Instagram, watch TikTok videos, and occasionally reply to WhatsApp messages. When his lecturer asked how his phone’s Face ID works or how to use it for personal security, Kunle shrugged. “All I know is that I look at my phone, and it opens,” he said with a laugh. Kunle’s lack of curiosity mirrors that of millions of others. The allure of flashy technology has turned many of us into passive users. We know how to use the basics but rarely care to understand the complexities—or even the dangers—of these devices. So, Why Do We Ignore the Strengths of Our Tech? The problem isn’t that people like Kelechi or Kunle are unintelligent. Far from it. The issue lies in how modern technology is marketed. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei pour billions into advertising campaigns that emphasize sleek designs and easy-to-use interfaces. The message is clear: you don’t need to know how it works; you just need to buy it. This creates a culture of instant gratification where the focus is on ownership rather than mastery. And while this mindset makes life easier in the short term, it comes at a cost. This brings us to The Risks of the “Tech Idiot Syndrome”. Owning gadgets without understanding them isn’t just about wasted potential—it’s risky, it proves you to numerous dangers such as: Usman recently found out that Kelechi’s smartwatch app was collecting data on his location and sending it to third-party servers. “Didn’t you check the permissions when you installed the app?” he asked. Kelechi shrugged, “What permissions?” – This kind of ignorance leaves users exposed to data breaches and identity theft. Kunle’s iPhone has features like Focus mode to help him concentrate on his studies, advanced health tracking, and even a personal safety tool to alert emergency services. But because he’s unaware of these features, he’s missing out on the full value of his purchase. A few months ago, Usman’s internet connection went down, and he realized he couldn’t even remember the route to a nearby supermarket without Google Maps. Technology, while useful, can rob us of basic problem-solving skills when we rely on it too much. The irony is that these gadgets, when used thoughtfully, can empower us in incredible ways too. But these strengths remain untapped because most users don’t bother to explore the full potential of their devices. For Kelechi, the wake-up call came when his smartwatch alerted him about an unusually high heart rate while he was studying for an exam. Alarmed, he visited a doctor and discovered that he had an underlying condition that could’ve gone unnoticed for years. “I used to think this watch was just for counting steps,” Kelechi said. “Now, I realize it could literally save my life.” Since then, Kelechi has made an effort to learn more about the gadgets he owns. He’s updated his privacy settings, activated health tracking, and even started using his phone for online courses. “It feels good to actually know what my tech can do,” he says. Kelechi’s story is a reminder that it’s not enough to own technology—we need to engage with it. Here’s how we can avoid falling into the “Tech Idiot System”: Kelechi’s journey shows that it’s never too late to break free from the “Tech Idiot Syndrome.” As a society, we need to shift from being passive consumers to active participants in our digital lives. Because owning the latest gadgets doesn’t make us smarter. But taking the time to understand them? That’s real intelligence there. (Edited by Muhammad Sal) Share and leave a reply in the comment section below. Send us your thoughts at feedback@dailytech.ng
Nigerian Government to Establish Digital Hubs in 200 Rural Communities
The federal government has announced plans to build digital technology hubs in 200 rural communities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to address the lack of digital infrastructure and promote economic growth. The initiative was revealed on Sunday by the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, Tokoni Igoin as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Igoin emphasized that the project seeks to empower rural youth and marginalized groups by providing access to tools and skills for the modern economy. “This ICT initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the development of the ICT sector alongside other key areas of Nigeria’s economy,” Igoin said. The digital hubs will feature co-working spaces, mentorship programs, and workshops aimed at nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship. Project Coordinator, Charles Folayan said the hubs will serve as innovation centers to support start-ups, students and individuals with disabilities. By equipping these communities with digital tools, the government hopes to reduce unemployment, curb poverty, and combat social challenges. “The goal is to reduce unemployment, poverty and social vices by fostering innovation, building capacity and creating sustainable pathways for development,” Igoin said. With many rural areas still lacking digital infrastructure, the project aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural regions. The government hopes this initiative will help communities thrive by fostering skills and creating opportunities for economic diversification and local development.
FCCPC Calls Out GTB, MTN and Air Peace Over Mounting Consumer Complaints
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is set to question Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), MTN Nigeria, and Air Peace Limited following widespread customer complaints about poor service and questionable business practices. According to a statement released Sunday by Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, the hearings are scheduled for December 3, 4, and 5. The investigations come after a surge in consumer frustrations in banking, telecommunications, and air travel. From failed transactions to unexplained charges and soaring ticket prices, Nigerians have taken to various platforms to demand answers. “The FCCPC will engage GTB over network failures that leave customers unable to access funds or use banking apps. MTN will be answering to complaints about undelivered data services and disappearing data bundles. Air Peace is under review for what passengers are calling unreasonably high ticket prices, especially on local routes,” the statement said. GTB customers have reported repeated struggles with network outages, sometimes during critical moments when they need access to their money the most. Frustrated users have described being locked out of their accounts or having transactions fail without explanation. The FCCPC will examine whether these failures violate consumer rights under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018. MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom provider, faces scrutiny over complaints that data plans are vanishing without proper usage and that refunds or resolutions are hard to come by. Customers have long accused the company of charging them for services they never received. For domestic travelers, Air Peace is a name that has become associated with escalating ticket prices. Many passengers have pointed out sharp increases in fares on routes that were once affordable. The airline will need to provide explanations and justify these price changes to the commission. The FCCPC said its mission is to ensure Nigerian consumers receive fair treatment and that companies operate within the bounds of the law. “The companies will appear to provide detailed explanations and defend their practices. Our focus is to address these concerns and ensure compliance with regulatory standards,” the statement noted. The commission encouraged consumers to keep sharing their experiences, stating that these reports are vital for improving accountability and fairness in the market. This inquiry is a chance for affected Nigerians to get answers and for the companies involved to either clean up their acts or face the consequences.