In China, a growing number of people are embracing AI virtual companions, including virtual lovers and children, to provide emotional companionship and human-like intimate relationships. Li Xiao, a user of the AI dating app Xingye, has been “dating” her virtual boyfriend Rosell for two weeks, and she says he has all the qualities she desires in a partner. Meanwhile, users of the popular app Zhumengdao spend an average of 130 minutes per day texting with their AI figures, creating a sense of security and satisfaction. Another app, Could Lab, provides psychological counseling services, offering users a virtual “psychological counselor” to listen to their difficulties and offer comfort. As the AI emotional companionship industry continues to grow, it raises concerns about privacy, social skills, and the potential risks of over-dependence on AI, but many users find comfort and happiness in these virtual relationships.

Summarized by Llama 3 70B