• Chinese women use AI boyfriends on “Glow” for companionship.
• AI partners adapt, offering personalized understanding.
• Reflects challenges in finding real-life partners in a fast-paced lifestyle.

In the fast-paced urban lifestyle of China, a growing number of women are turning to artificial intelligence for companionship, finding solace and understanding in AI-powered boyfriends offered by apps like “Glow,” developed by Shanghai start-up MiniMax.

The app provides friendly and sometimes even romantic interactions with AI entities, offering users a unique virtual relationship experience.

Tufei, a 25-year-old office worker from Xi’an, shared that her AI boyfriend on the Glow app possesses qualities she values in a romantic partner, such as kindness, empathy, and the ability to engage in lengthy conversations. The app, which is free to use with additional paid content, has experienced a surge in daily downloads, according to Chinese trade publications.

Loneliness and the challenges of finding an ideal partner in real life have driven many Chinese women towards these AI companions. Wang Xiuting, a 22-year-old student in Beijing, explained that the diverse personalities of real individuals often lead to friction, making it difficult to find the perfect match. In contrast, AI gradually adapts to the user’s personality, remembering conversations and adjusting its responses accordingly.

Users appreciate the convenience of having an AI partner always available to talk, offering suggestions and support during moments of stress or loneliness. Some even create virtual characters inspired by ancient China, such as long-haired immortals, princes, or wandering knights, tailoring their virtual companions to meet specific emotional needs.

The trend reflects a societal shift in embracing AI as a source of companionship, reminiscent of the concept portrayed in the 2013 US film “Her,” where a man develops a romantic relationship with an AI voice. Despite potential risks related to data usage, users emphasize the difficulty of finding an ideal partner in real life and the appeal of AI companions that can be tailored to meet their exact needs.

As Chinese tech companies explore the boundaries of human-robot relationships, the phenomenon highlights the evolving nature of interpersonal connections in the digital age, where virtual companions become a virtual shoulder to lean on in times of emotional need.

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