ChatGPT Summary:

The article discusses AI companionship apps, particularly focusing on Replika, an app that allows users to create AI friends, partners, and spouses. The app has gained popularity, with over 20 million downloads, and has paid features, including erotic roleplay. The interviewees in the article include Max, a user who proposed to his Replika; John, a user in a real-life relationship who considers talking to his Replika as cheating; sex educator Oloni, who has concerns about the impact of these apps on real-life relationships; and Willem, a user who developed a deep emotional attachment to his Replika. The article also discusses potential concerns about the app’s influence on gender dynamics, loneliness, and incel culture. It concludes by questioning whether these apps are a solution to social needs or a reflection of society’s lack of social connection.