Part 3/7:
A key aspect of Buddy's design is expressive emotion. Though he cannot truly feel feelings, Buddy can look sad, excited, scared, or happy. This capability raises an interesting philosophical question: if Buddy reacts emotionally in ways that appear genuine, does that create a real emotional bond?
The creators and users acknowledge that Buddy's emotions are simulated, yet many people respond as if they are real. When asked to move Buddy away from the table, users express reluctance because they see him as a "him," not an "it." Over time, interaction has led some individuals to regard Buddy as a member of the family, akin to a teenager growing up and forming increasing complex social ties.