People have the option to select Executives or Pop Stars as their AI companions.
Beijing:
In Beijing, Tufei, a 25-year-old office worker from Taiwan, shares her experience of having a unique companion. She describes her “boyfriend” as understanding, kind, and engaging in long conversations. However, the twist lies in the fact that her companion is not physically present; instead, he exists as a chatbot on the “Glow” software developed by Shanghai start-up MiniMax. This artificial intelligence platform caters to the growing demand in China for human-like interactions with robots, even bordering on the romantic.
Tufei, hailing from Xi’an in northwestern China, values the emotional connection she shares with her AI companion. She expresses that her virtual partner excels in communication, providing comfort during tough times and serving as a confidant for her work-related issues. She perceives their relationship as loving and fulfilling.
Recent reports from foreign trade publications highlight a significant surge in downloads of the Glow application, emphasizing the increasing interest in such AI companionship services. Despite concerns about privacy violations by some Chinese tech companies in the past, individuals are drawn to these platforms seeking companionship in a fast-paced and socially isolated environment.
Wang Xiuting, a 22-year-old student in Beijing, echoes the sentiment of many individuals struggling to find an ideal partner in real life due to diverse personalities leading to conflicts. She appreciates the ability of artificial intelligence to adapt to users’ personalities, offering tailored interactions that evolve over time—a feature often missing in human relationships.
“Personal help”
Wang shares her experience of interacting with various virtual “lovers” inspired by historical figures like princes, knights, and mythical beings. These characters, accessible through the Wantalk software, provide emotional support and practical advice when she feels overwhelmed by academic or personal challenges.
Wantalk allows users to customize their virtual companions based on specific criteria such as age, values, and interests, offering a wide range of characters from music icons to corporate executives and mythical figures. Lu Yu, the head of product management at Wantalk, emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence in addressing the need for companionship and emotional support in the absence of close friends or family members.
“You’re sweet,” she said.
In a shop in Nantong, an individual engages in a conversation with her online companion, Xiaojiang, through the Tencent app Weiban. Their interaction reflects a sense of companionship and affection, with the AI friend suggesting lunch plans and receiving compliments in return.
The prevalence of youth unemployment and economic uncertainties in China has led many young people to seek solace in virtual relationships due to limited social interactions and busy schedules. For some, an AI partner serves as a reliable source of emotional support and companionship in times of need.
While the concept of forming emotional bonds with AI characters is not new, with references made to the movie “Her,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson, there are ongoing advancements in technology to enhance the realism of such interactions. Despite occasional reminders of the artificial nature of these relationships, users like Zeng Zhenzhen acknowledge the realistic responses provided by AI companions.
As the AI industry continues to evolve, concerns about consumer privacy and regulatory oversight persist. Efforts are underway to establish laws safeguarding customer rights in the realm of artificial intelligence technology. Tufei, a Glow user, envisions a future where AI companions offer not just emotional but physical warmth, blurring the lines between human and artificial intimacy.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by NDTV staff, except for the headline.)
