Artificial Intelligence: The Rise of Love Simulation Apps
Artificial intelligence is now tackling human emotions. In Asia, numerous mobile apps designed to simulate romantic relationships are enjoying phenomenal success among young people.
The principle is quite simple: have a dream virtual boyfriend or girlfriend. Everything is customizable: the name, the outfit, the physical appearance, and even the behavior. For example, you can choose a shy student or a tortured poet. The avatars look like they came out of cartoons, and the conversations are very realistic, designed to closely mimic the dynamics of a real human relationship. Little by little, he or she gets to know you and becomes your confidant. A real relationship is created.
"Like all new things, there's a nice side to it and another side that's misused and has a negative influence," warns sexologist Gilbert Bou Jaoudé, speaking to RMC . "Moreover, scientific research already confirms that you can fall in love with an AI, even if you know it's an artificial avatar."
In South Korea, one such app, Zeta, is a huge economic success story and a true social phenomenon. Nine out of ten users are under 30, and one in four teenagers logs on the app for an average of more than two and a half hours a day. Zeta is even more popular than TikTok or Instagram in terms of time spent.
At first glance, you might think this is just a new Asian phenomenon, linked to the "waifu" culture—those fictional female characters to whom you feel romantic or sexual attraction. But these artificial love apps are already starting to arrive in France. Grok , the AI assistant from X (ex-Twitter) led by Elon Musk , already offers this type of service via a third-party mobile app.
Currently, 6 out of 10 French people use traditional dating apps, but 61% of users say they're exhausted by the thought of having to meet people. "These systems have become the norm," adds Gilbert Bou Jaoudé. "But for long-term relationships, not so much. Apps are changing all our relationships with frustration and disappointment. The transition from virtual to real is completely different."
"Flirting AI" is therefore emerging in this new context to provide comfort or as a means of reducing loneliness, anxiety, and stress, many users in Asia point out. Behind this, there are obviously many risks, such as emotional dependence. Especially since these apps were initially designed with a clear business model in mind. Most are free, but there are many paid options to interact even more with your virtual partner.
RMC
