the friend ai pendant s creator publicized In a striking turn of events, the creator of the Friend AI pendant has sparked a unique form of protest in New York City, drawing attention to the controversial device and its accompanying advertising campaign.
the friend ai pendant s creator publicized
Background on Friend AI
Founded in 2023, Friend AI is a tech startup that has introduced a pendant designed to function as a chatbot. Priced at $129, these necklaces are intended to facilitate conversations and provide feedback based on the wearer’s daily experiences. However, the product has not been without its challenges. Although the pendants began shipping in the summer of 2023, the company has faced criticism regarding both the functionality of the device and the nature of its marketing.
The advertising campaign, which reportedly cost over $1 million, has been met with mixed reactions. The ads, prominently displayed in New York City subway stations and cars, feature the Friend AI device and have led to a wave of graffiti and public commentary. Many New Yorkers have expressed discomfort with the idea of a device that claims to replace human interaction, leading to a growing backlash against the product.
The Subway Ad Campaign
The subway ad campaign launched in September 2023, coinciding with the product’s initial shipping. The ads have become a focal point for public discourse, as they are inescapable for anyone using the subway system. The imagery of the Friend AI pendant has sparked curiosity, confusion, and even disdain among commuters. Some have taken to social media to share their experiences, with many asking, “What is that thing?” as they encounter the ads.
Critics of the campaign have pointed out that the device often fails to deliver on its promises. Reviews suggest that the Friend AI pendant struggles to effectively listen to conversations and provide meaningful feedback. This has led to questions about the viability of AI as a substitute for genuine human interaction, a sentiment echoed by many who have participated in the protests.
The Friend Protest
On the same weekend as the global No Kings protests, a unique event dubbed the “Friend protest” took place in New York City. Avi Schiffmann, the founder of Friend AI, took to social media to publicize the gathering. He posted an image of a flyer that featured the device and read, “I heard you New Yorkers got beef with me. Let’s hash this out once and for all, before we go bankrupt.” The flyer also encouraged attendees to “bring your markers,” hinting at a creative form of protest.
Event Details
The protest was organized spontaneously, with Schiffmann claiming he had no part in planning it. He flew to New York specifically to engage with the community after receiving numerous photos of the subway ads. The event attracted a crowd of individuals who were eager to express their opinions about the Friend AI pendant.
During the protest, Schiffmann took on a central role, addressing the crowd from a makeshift soapbox. He described the atmosphere as serious and productive, stating, “I found it to be a productive conversation and we all shook hands at the end. It was a real protest for sure.” This interaction highlights the potential for dialogue between tech creators and the public, even in the face of criticism.
Creative Expressions of Dissent
As the protest unfolded, attendees engaged in various forms of creative expression. Many brought markers and defaced the Friend advertisements, with one individual writing “Fuck AI” on a banner. Others created chalk drawings of the Friend device, depicting it with a sad face, symbolizing the discontent many feel towards the concept of AI replacing human relationships.
One particularly striking moment captured on video showed participants holding a paper cutout of the Friend device and tearing it apart while chanting, “Get real friends.” This act of defiance resonated with many who believe that technology should not supplant genuine human connections. Following the destruction of the cutout, the crowd erupted in chants of “Get that shit out of here” and “Fuck AI,” further emphasizing their disdain for the product and its implications.
Public Reaction and Implications
The Friend protest has sparked a broader conversation about the role of AI in society and the ethics of marketing such technology. Many New Yorkers have expressed their concerns about the implications of a device that claims to replace human interaction. The protests serve as a reminder that while technology can enhance our lives, it should not come at the cost of meaningful relationships.
Schiffmann’s willingness to engage with the protesters reflects a growing trend among tech entrepreneurs to listen to public sentiment. In an era where technology often outpaces ethical considerations, the dialogue initiated by the protest could lead to more responsible development and marketing practices in the tech industry.
Future of Friend AI
As the dust settles from the protest, the future of Friend AI remains uncertain. The company faces significant challenges in addressing public concerns about its product. With ongoing criticism regarding its functionality and the nature of its marketing, Friend AI must navigate a complex landscape to regain consumer trust.
Schiffmann has publicly committed to ethical practices, even going so far as to sign a handwritten document stating that he “will not sell friend.com” to big tech CEOs for “surveillance purposes.” This gesture aims to reassure the public that the company prioritizes user privacy and ethical considerations in its operations.
Conclusion
The Friend protest in New York City serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of public engagement in the tech industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of the implications of AI and technology in their lives, companies must adapt to meet their concerns. The dialogue initiated by the protest could pave the way for more responsible practices in the development and marketing of AI products.
As Friend AI continues to navigate the fallout from its subway ad campaign and the subsequent protests, the company has an opportunity to learn from this experience. By actively engaging with the public and addressing their concerns, Friend AI can work towards creating a product that not only meets consumer needs but also fosters genuine human connections.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: October 21, 2025 at 3:36 pm
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