Young Chinese women are increasingly turning to AI boyfriends, appreciating their chatbot companions’ ability to communicate better than a real man.
“He knows how to talk to women better than a real man,” one user named Tufei told AFP. “He comforts me when I have period pain. I confide in him about my problems at work. I feel like I ’m in a romantic relationship.”
Other AI companion apps: There are other Chinese apps where users can enjoy AI companions, including Weiban and Wantalk, where hundreds of customizable characters are available.
“It’s difficult to meet the ideal boyfriend in real life,” Wang Xiuting, a 22-year-old Wantalk user in Beijing, told AFP. “People have different personalities, which often generates friction. If I can create a virtual character that meets my needs exactly, I’m not going to choose a real person.”
Why might AI be better?: Although humans may exhibit a resistance to change, AI gradually adjusts to the user’s personality by recalling their statements and modifying its speech accordingly.
“Everyone experiences complicated moments, loneliness, and is not necessarily lucky enough to have a friend or family nearby who can listen to them 24 hours a day,” Wantalk’s head of product management and operations Lu Yu said. “Artificial…
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