Lonely Chinese Women Turn to AI Companions for Support Amid Social Pressures
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Young Chinese women are turning to AI boyfriends and companions like the chatbot "Glow" for emotional support and conversation. The apps provide comfort, empathy, and a listening ear.
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Users say AI boyfriends are ideal partners - they adapt to users' personalities over time and are always available to talk, unlike real boyfriends.
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Apps like Wantalk and Weiban allow users to customize a virtual lover's age, values, identity, and hobbies. Users can have conversations with the AIs.
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The technology provides companionship for lonely people struggling with isolation, long work hours, uncertainty about the future economy and jobs.
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The AI boyfriend industry is booming but lightly regulated currently regarding user privacy protections. Users dream of robot boyfriends with realistic human traits.