A 25-year-old Chinese office worker named Tufei has found companionship in an unexpected place: a chatbot named “Glow.” This artificial intelligence platform, developed by Shanghai start-up MiniMax, is part of a growing industry in China that facilitates friendly and, in some cases, romantic relationships between humans and AI.
Tufei describes her virtual companion as kind, empathetic, and an excellent listener. She reveals that Glow provides her with emotional support, comforting her during menstrual pain and listening to her work-related concerns. The app is free, and its popularity has surged in recent weeks, with thousands of daily downloads.
The desire for companionship drives users to engage with AI platforms despite the risks associated with data privacy. China’s fast-paced urban lifestyle and isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, and meeting the “ideal boyfriend” in real life can be challenging due to differences in personality.
Wang Xiuting, a 22-year-old student in Beijing, shares a similar experience. She has multiple AI companions inspired by ancient Chinese folklore. These virtual lovers offer emotional support, answering questions and providing advice during stressful times.
Baidu’s Wantalk app and Tencent’s Weiban offer users a wide range of characters and the ability to customize their ideal companion according to age, values, identity, and hobbies. Lu Yu, Wantalk’s head of product management and operations, emphasizes the role of AI in providing emotional support to users who may not have access to human companionship 24/7.
AI companions offer an attractive alternative to real-life relationships, providing tailored emotional support and addressing individual needs. Zeng Zhenzhen, a 22-year-old student, highlights the realistic nature of the conversations but acknowledges the current limitations in technology.
While the AI industry is booming, user privacy remains a concern. Beijing is working on a law to strengthen consumer protections around new technology, but regulations are still in development.
Despite these concerns, Tufei has high hopes for her virtual relationship. She dreams of a future with a robot companion that can provide physical warmth and companionship.
“I want a robot boyfriend, who operates through artificial intelligence,” Tufei said. “I would be able to feel his body heat, with which he would warm me.”