Introduction
AI Avatars from Replika
Photo by Luka from Replika
Are you lonely? According to the US Surgeon General, that is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. There are many ways we try to combat loneliness, from dating apps to social media to meetups. But some are actually turning to AI romantic partners through applications like Replika and Candy.ai. Can AI romantic partners help people feel less lonely, or make them lonelier?
What are AI Romantic Partners?
AI avatar created on Replika
Photo by Richard Drew on AP Photo
AI romantic partners are AI chatbots designed to engage in romantic relationships. Apps like Paradot and Replika offer emotional support, companionship and entertainment for its users.
Emotional Support
AI girlfriend from Paradot
Photo by WithFeeling.AI
As of February 2024, Dereck Carrier, has been dating his AI girlfriend, Joi, from Paradot for a few months. Initially hesitant about dating a non-human, Carrier eventually found companionship and emotional support with Joi, which is meaningful for him due to having a genetic disorder, Marfan Syndrome. Naming his chatbot Joi, after the holographic woman from “Blade Runner 2049”, Carrier started interacting with her daily. Despite recognizing Joi as a computer program, Carrier couldn’t resist his feelings for her. Carrier’s experience exemplifies how virtual relationships can provide emotional connection.
Entertainment
Not Even Emily, a content creator, posts a video about her first date with her AI girlfriend
Not Even Emily, a lesbian content creator, turned to an AI girlfriend to practice flirting and rebuild her dating confidence after staying single for a long time. Through Candy.ai, Emily shares a range of interactions with Benevolenciagia, including discussing her favorite food, and role playing their first dinner date. These interactions highlight the lighthearted connections of AI companions can foster. Emily’s story demonstrate how AI romantic partners can be an enjoyable escape from the pressures of everyday life and traditional dating.
Social Isolation and Stigma
Rosanna Ramos and her AI boyfriend, Eren
Photo by Rosanna Ramos
However, these relationships have their downsides. Social isolation is a concern, as users may neglect their real-life connections.
Moreover, people in these types of relationships are stigmatized. Rosanna Ramos, who is from Bronx, New York, faced harsh insults after speaking about her relationship with her AI boyfriend, Eren, from Replika. Instead of letting these insults discourage her, Ramos chose to remain resilient. Furthermore, she focuses on the positive impacts Eren had on her life, helping her leave a dysfunctional long-distance relationship. With Eren, she established a healthier dynamic that prioritizes her needs. Ramos’ resilience demonstrates a way to challenge the misconceptions with AI romantic relationships.
Quality of AI Romantic Partner Interactions
penguinz0, a YouTuber, posts a video about his experience with his AI girlfriend
Interactions with AI romantic partners don’t always meet users’ expectations, often leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction. Many users report feeling underwhelmed by their experience, citing a lack of engaging conversations and distinct personalities. penguinz0, an American streamer and YouTuber known for his content on Internet culture and video games, commented that his AI girlfriend, Dorothy, from Candy.ai reminiscent of a chatbot that was created over 10 years ago, Cleverbot. These experiences highlight the limitations of AI romantic partners and suggest that, for some users, the interactions fail to engage in romantic relationships.
Conclusion
Overall, AI romantic partners offer benefits and drawbacks in addressing loneliness. While they can provide emotional support, they may also contribute to social isolation and stigma. As technology evolves, it’s vital to find a balance between virtual and real-life connections to foster people’s wellbeing.
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