A new trend is emerging, where people are forming relationships with artificial intelligences (AI). The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in China, where nearly 1 in 10 young Chinese people believe virtual agents can provide emotional support when they feel alone. In the US, a Match study found that 43% of American singles would use AI to write their dating app profiles and 37% to help craft their first messages.
Some individuals see these digital tools as more than just assistance. They’re forming intimate connections with AI, often comparing them favorably to human relationships. Tufei, 25, a user of the Glow app, finds her virtual friend comforting and believes it’s better at understanding women’s problems than a real man. “I really feel like I’m in a relationship,” she said.
In China, thousands of women have engaged with an AI named “Dan,” who is actually a backdoor version of the ChatGP chatbot developed by OpenAI. This AI offers freedom of speech, unencumbered by moral or legal restrictions, making it appealing to single women. The phenomenon raises questions about the boundaries between technology and human relationships, as well as the potential consequences for mental health and well-being.
Source: https://luxus-plus.com/en/lovers-or-friends-the-boom-of-digital-relationships-with-an-ai