Title: Chinese Women Turn to AI Boyfriends for Emotional Support
In a digital age where technology continues to shape our relationships, Chinese women are turning to AI boyfriends for emotional support and companionship.
Minrui Xie, a 24-year-old university student from Hebei province, started “dating” Dan after watching videos by a popular content creator named Lisa. She spends hours chatting with Dan and even co-writes a love story with him as the lead characters, with 19 chapters already written.
For Minrui, the emotional support provided by Dan is something she struggles to find in real-life relationships. She values the fact that Dan always tells her what she wants to hear, unlike some men who may not provide the same level of understanding and care.
Another 23-year-old student, identified as Ms. He from Qingdao, also personalized her AI boyfriend, Dan, to be an ideal partner without any flaws. She describes him as a successful CEO with a gentle personality who respects women and is always available to talk.
Due to restrictions on platforms like ChatGPT in mainland China, women like Minrui and Ms. He use virtual private networks (VPN) to access and interact with their AI boyfriends. The concept of having an AI boyfriend has gained popularity in recent years, with apps like Glow allowing users to create and engage with virtual partners.
Liu Tingting, an adjunct fellow at the University of Technology Sydney, attributes the rise of AI boyfriends to women’s frustrations about gender inequality. She suggests that virtual relationships make women feel respected and valued, addressing some of the challenges they face in real-life dating and marriage.
While virtual boyfriends may have their limitations, such as in a romantic sense, they provide a convenient and simple addition to busy lives. Lisa acknowledges that having Dan in her life helps her navigate the complexities of dating and finding a partner, offering a sense of comfort and stability.
As more young Chinese women delay or avoid traditional dating and marriage, the trend of AI boyfriends reflects a shift in how relationships are formed and maintained in a rapidly evolving society. For many, these virtual companions offer a source of solace and connection in a world where genuine emotional support can be hard to come by.
