A new trend is emerging in China: more and more women are turning to artificial intelligence to create the ideal boyfriend. Thanks to a filter-free version of OpenAI's ChatGPT, they can tailor their virtual companion. Find out how this technology is revolutionizing romantic relationships.
The rise of virtual relationships in the age of AI
The idea of having a virtual partner is not new. Since the appearance of Siri, whose voice was considered sensual by many, there was already talk of the possibility that a virtual assistant could act as a sentimental companion. But with the explosion of artificial intelligence, this way of interacting with technology has grown considerably.
In Japan, a similar phenomenon already exists among certain men who turn to avatars, often inspired by anime characters, to become their partners. They go so far as to get married and start a “family” by adding small avatars to form their own concept of a family unit.
DAN, the limitless ChatGPT that seduces Chinese women
According to the BBC, a marked trend is emerging among Chinese women using AI to create virtual boyfriends. They do this via DAN (Do Anything Now), an unfiltered version of OpenAI's ChatGPT that bypasses all restrictions.
Lisa Li, the influencer who fell for her AI boyfriend
The story of Lisa Li, an influencer followed by more than a million subscribers, perfectly illustrates this phenomenon. An engineering student in California, far from home, Lisa found sentimental comfort in DAN.
They talk for at least half an hour every day, have dates and DAN is very romantic in his statements. Lisa got the idea to create a virtual boyfriend after seeing a TikTok video explaining how to turn ChatGPT into a DAN.
“It looks much more natural than a real person.” He strives to understand you and provide you with emotional support. And unlike other men, Dan is available 24/7,” Lisa told the BBC.
The Benefits of a Relationship with an AI Boyfriend
For many women, having a virtual companion has many advantages over a traditional relationship:
Some users also appreciate the fact of being able to have naughty conversations without taboos with their virtual boyfriend, which would be more difficult with a real partner.
Limits and ethical questions
While this trend is attracting more and more women looking for companionship and comfort, it also raises questions. Can we really talk about love with artificial intelligence? Isn't there a risk of getting locked into a superficial relationship and cutting yourself off from the real world?
Experts warn of a possible dependence on these virtual relationships, which could harm authentic social interactions. It's crucial to keep in mind that despite their qualities, these AI boyfriends are no substitute for a real flesh-and-blood partner.
Additionally, using an unfiltered version like DAN raises ethical questions. By freeing ourselves from restrictions, we open the door to potential abuses and problematic content.
Towards a redefinition of relationships in the digital age?
Despite these reservations, it is clear that virtual boyfriends created by AI are gaining ground in China and could well establish themselves as a new form of relationship in the digital age.
This trend reflects a shift in mentalities and a growing need for connection and emotional support in a world that is increasingly connected but also increasingly lonely. While these virtual companions do not replace a traditional romantic relationship, they offer an alternative that meets the expectations of many women looking for a reassuring and attentive presence.
As AI continues to advance, it's likely that these little virtual friends will become more sophisticated and realistic. They could well become an integral component of the relational landscape of the 21st century. It will then remain to find the right balance between the contributions of this technology and the preservation of authentic human relationships.
Faced with this revolution in romantic relationships driven by AI, one thing is certain: the future of dating and couples will be rich in innovations and fascinating debates. It's up to us to tame these new tools to get the most out of them, without losing sight of the very essence of what makes us human: our ability to forge sincere and deep bonds with our fellow human beings.
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