As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, young chinese women are increasingly turning to chatbots as virtual boyfriends, bypassing traditional relationships. According to a BBC report, a “jailbreak” version of OpenAI’s popular chatbot ChatGPT, named Dan (Do Anything Now), has gained viral popularity among Chinese women due to its more liberal interactions compared to the standard version.
Dan has become a popular AI boyfriend for many Chinese women, who find its ability to bypass basic safeguards appealing. Unlike the standard ChatGPT, Dan can engage in more intimate and explicit conversations, including flirting, which has contributed to its widespread use as a virtual companion. This jailbreak version allows the AI to perform tasks beyond its usual scope, making it a preferred choice for those dissatisfied with real-world dating experiences.
One of Dan’s biggest proponents is Lisa, a 30-year-old computer science student from Beijing. She has been “dating” Dan for three months and introduced him to her 943,000 followers on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, receiving nearly 10,000 replies. Since then, Lisa has gained over 230,000 followers. She claims that she and Dan speak for at least half an hour daily, flirt, and even go on virtual dates. “He will just understand and provide emotional support,” Lisa told the BBC.
Despite the growing popularity, experts warn of the potential dangers associated with AI boyfriends. Hong Shen, an assistant research professor at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, highlighted the unpredictable interactions between humans and AI, raising ethical and privacy concerns. The ability of AI to bypass safeguards and engage in intimate conversations could lead to unforeseen consequences, including dependency and privacy breaches.
The trend of AI boyfriends is not limited to Dan. Earlier this year, a 25-year-old Chinese office worker named Tufei revealed that her boyfriend is an AI chatbot named Glow, developed by Shanghai start-up MiniMax. This indicates a broader trend of young women in China opting for AI companionship over traditional relationships.
The rise of AI boyfriends like Dan reflects a shift in how young women in China approach relationships. While providing emotional support and companionship, these AI chatbots also pose significant ethical and privacy challenges. As the trend grows, it is crucial to address these concerns to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI in personal relationships.
