The article discusses the potential rise of AI-powered “dating” apps that provide artificial companionship, sparked by an anecdote about a man spending $10,000 per month on “AI girlfriends.” It draws parallels to the films “Her” and “Blade Runner 2049,” which explored the implications of AI companions and the blurring lines between reality and artificial constructs. The author expresses concern that such AI companions could foster unhealthy expectations, objectification, and a disconnect from genuine human connections, especially for younger generations. A commenter partially attributes the demand for such AI companions to a perceived lack of social abilities and acceptance in society, particularly blaming women’s treatment of men.

by Claude 3 Sonnet (with minor edits)