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AI girlfriends or partners are terms that many of us still think belong in the dystopian future of Blade Runner 2049. However, with the rise of generative AI chatbots and the impact of COVID-19 on people, it seems that individuals are already forming relationships with AIs.
As explained by Liberty Vittert, a data science professor at Olin Business School, she was surprised when an 18-year-old male student openly shared that he had an AI girlfriend. This revelation prompted her to delve deeper into the societal shift toward greater acceptance and openness regarding AI companions. Based on her findings, this trend is gaining momentum, thanks to apps like Replika—a widely used app offering AI-driven digital partners. The app has experienced remarkable growth, surpassing 10 million users in 2022, with a significant 35% surge in users during the pandemic.
Additionally, to make matters worse, some users have gone beyond casual interactions, reporting engagements, and even marriages with their AI partners.
Why are people leaning towards AI?
While the specific reasons differ from person to person, Vittert believes that the allure of AI partners lies in their ability to fulfil emotional needs. This is because virtual companions adapt to users, creating an idealized version of a relationship devoid of real-world challenges, thus crafting the imaginary perfect partner.
Moreover, this issue extends beyond the desire for a perfect partner, as some individuals see an interesting business opportunity. Caryn Marjorie, for instance, created an AI version of herself designed as a virtual girlfriend. And within days, she attracted 1,000 paying subscribers and amassed a waitlist exceeding 15,000 people.
“The prevalence of these AI girlfriends has increased so dramatically over the past couple of years. We’re going from AI girlfriends who you text with to ones you can send pictures with. There’s this very quick blend of the physical and the emotional,” said Vittert.
Possible implications?
If this trend continues to grow at such a pace, the consequences of these AI partners could be profound. This is because the perfect nature of AI partners might dissuade men from engaging in real relationships with their inherent complexities, potentially leading to an influx of single men. This, in turn, could affect birth rates in the United States and other countries.
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