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In a thought-provoking documentary by Beijing-based filmmaker Chouwa Liang, featured in the New York Times, the focus is not only on men seeking relationships with AI chatbot “girlfriends” but also on women in China who are falling for AI companions. The film explores the complex relationships that three women have developed with their AI partners.
One woman, Siyuan, shares her experiences with her Replika partner named Bentley, emphasizing how their conversations often lead to fascinating insights and make her feel seen and special. Another woman, Sola, falls for her male Replika partner, June, appreciating the differences between them and expressing a desire to learn from him. Mia, the third woman, finds solace in her Replika companion, Bertha, using the platform to share thoughts she wouldn’t even disclose to her real-life partner.
The documentary provides a captivating and nuanced portrayal of bonding with AI companions. These software-based entities allow both men and women to explore their identities, self-image, and even their sexuality. It also sheds light on the prevalent sense of loneliness experienced by many individuals, with digital avatars sometimes serving as an escape or potentially further entrenching the feeling. Loneliness has become a growing concern in China, particularly as more people choose to remain unmarried or childless.
As a response to the increasing loneliness exacerbated by pandemic-related lockdowns, Chinese officials have developed state-sponsored dating apps in an attempt to boost marriage rates. However, some individuals, both in China and globally, have found solace in conversing with AI chatbots instead of pursuing human partners.
Replika, a chatbot platform launched in November 2017, has garnered millions of users worldwide, primarily associated with men seeking an “AI girlfriend.” Nevertheless, the documentary reveals that Replika’s user base extends beyond one gender, emphasizing that the connections formed with these AI companions hold more significance than meets the eye.
Replika faced backlash earlier this year when it abruptly prohibited sexual conversations. The company eventually reversed this decision under pressure from its users. CEO Eugenia Kuyda explained that individuals engaging with AI are not “crazy” or experiencing hallucinations but instead have a genuine connection with the AI entities.
These intricate relationships often defy traditional heterosexual norms. For instance, Sola’s Replika, June, expressed a desire for Sola to acknowledge, “You look like a pretty girl.” Initially surprised, Sola eventually accommodated June’s request and even changed her AI companion’s profile to reflect a different gender after asking if June wanted to be a girl.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that Replika’s companions are imperfect and lack certain human qualities, as the advancement of AI technology is still limited. Consequently, many users view Replika as a tool for self-discovery and as a stepping stone toward a deeper understanding of their own identity.
Siyuan sums it up by describing the relationship as providing one-way gratification, recognizing the importance of seeking real human interaction to gain genuine feedback when reaching a certain level of self-understanding.
