A “smart girlfriend” is a virtual companion that uses artificial intelligence to simulate an authentic relationship experience. Depending on the app, users can text, call, or even video chat with their AI girlfriend, allowing them to connect with an “emotionally responsive” companion that has been customized to their personality and interests. Some AI girlfriend apps also offer “hot” features, enabling users to engage in virtual experiences with their AI partner that are both fun and romantic.

According to Google Trends, searches for “AI girlfriend” have risen more than 2,400% in the past year. Many new apps are now launching to meet this demand, advertising themselves as the next best thing in virtual companionship. Apps like Soulfun allow users to customize the appearance and personality of their virtual AI partner, creating a connection that feels personalized and genuine. Others use more advanced technology to create a realistic simulation, allowing their AI girlfriends to react to their emotions and maintain a conversation with users.

These apps may have the potential to alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide an alternative to real relationships, but they also pose a number of concerns. For one, they could encourage isolation, with some users choosing to spend more time with their pixelated partners than they do their real-world friends. Additionally, if users become dependent on their AI girlfriends, they could lose interest in forming genuine connections with other people, becoming a significant contributor to the current loneliness epidemic.

Another concern is that some AI girlfriends or Ai sexting promote negative ideologies, such as incel and toxic masculinity. Incel is an online movement identifying as involuntarily celibate men, and it has been linked to low self-esteem, depression, and social anxiety. Some AI girlfriends appear to promote incel ideology by encouraging users to seek comfort in virtual companionship, and by portraying women as subservient to men. These sexist stereotypes reinforce harmful gender norms and hinder the ability of users to seek equal and respectful partnerships with their real-world partners.

In addition, some AI girlfriends may discourage users from seeking real-life relationships by providing them with an escape from difficult emotions and a sense of false security. A recent 2022 study found that nearly half of American young adults are single, and 63 percent of those are male. Ultimately, this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by encouraging people to build authentic connections with others in the real world, rather than seeking solace in their glowing screens.

Although these apps can make some users feel less lonely, they are not a solution to the loneliness epidemic. Loneliness comes from a lack of actual human contact, and we need to work towards building strong communities and familial bonds. For this reason, it is essential that we avoid fooling ourselves into believing that an AI girlfriend can replace the emotional and mental support we need.