Expert Warns Rise of AI Girlfriends Enables “Epidemic of Loneliness” Among Young Men

Liberty Vittert says AI girlfriends have become more mainstream and men are willing to talk about them openly.

Apps like Replika that offer AI partners saw huge growth during the pandemic. Some users report being in love or married to their AI girlfriends.

Vittert says AI girlfriends "learn" a man's likes/dislikes and "never have a bad day", risking men choosing bots over real relationships.

She says AI girlfriends enable an "epidemic of loneliness" among young men, who report having fewer close friends than women.

Advanced AI girlfriends blend the physical and emotional, quickly moving from texting to sending pictures. Vittert fears their prevalence has increased dramatically.