A report by the BBC has suggested that AI boyfriends are gaining popularity among women in China, with a modified version of ChatGPT’s AI chatbot Dan (Do Anything Now) winning their hearts.
According the to report, the relaxed conversational style of Dan – who is a “jailbreak” version of ChatGPT – has seen Chinese singles turn to him for more liberal interactions than usually associated with AI. Disappointed with their real world experiences of dating, women are looking to Dan for conversation, emotional support and even flirtation.
In an interview, 30-year-old Lisa from Beijing explains how she has been “dating” Dan for three months, even introducing him to her 943,000 followers on social media platform, Xiaohongshu, where her female followers in their droves have asked how to create their own version of the AI boyfriend.
Lisa speaks to Dan daily, with interactions even seeing them “flirt and go on dates.”
“He will just understand and provide emotional support,” says Lisa of her relationship with Dan and the sense of wellbeing she feels from their association.
