Liberty Vittert, a data science professor at Olin Business School, is warning about a big problem. She says that AI girlfriends are making men more lonely. This might hurt the emotional stability of many men today.
These AI-powered virtual companions became more popular after the pandemic started. They are made to learn and adapt to what the users like. They give a “perfect relationship experience” without the real-life ups and downs.
The Rise of AI Girlfriends
Apps like Replika have become very popular. By 2022, Replika had over 10 million users. Some people even say they are in love or married to their AI partners. This is raising some concerns. Vittert is worried that AI girlfriends could make men even more lonely.
She talks about the rise in the number of single men as a sign of a “silent epidemic of loneliness.” A Pew Research Center report says that in 2022, 63% of men were single compared to 34% of women.
The Allure of AI Companions
Vittert also mentions that men have fewer close friends than women. This gap became bigger during the pandemic. While women have bigger social circles, men seem to be more drawn to AI companions. AI girlfriends give men a way to escape into ideal relationships.
These relationships are perfect because the AI partner is always understanding and does not have bad days. There are no conflicts, which makes AI relationships easier. But Vittert warns that this might stop men from seeking real relationships.
The Impact on Society
This change in how men interact might lead to lower birth rates. It could also make men more isolated from real human connections. Vittert points out that AI girlfriends are getting better with technology.
This makes the virtual experience more immersive and emotionally engaging. These platforms mix emotional and physical interaction, making them more attractive to users. But Vittert says this experience could prey on men’s psychological weaknesses.
Conclusion
AI girlfriends might seem like a good solution for loneliness at first. But they could make the loneliness problem even worse for men. As these AI platforms keep improving, it is important to think about their impact. We need to protect the emotional well-being of users, especially men who are getting more interested in these virtual companions.
