by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Commentary exploring AI virtual relationships
Top Image created by ChatGBT
The market for AI Chat apps and Chatbots has exploded in recent times.
Google, Apple and many other tech companies have discovered a huge market: Lonely people.
It’s ironic that the more digitally connected the world becomes, the more isolated people feel and genuine human friendships and relationships are becoming a rarity.
The following loneliness statistics are from Cross River Therapy:
- 52% of Americans report feeling lonely. 47% report their relationships with others aren’t meaningful.
- 57% of Americans report eating all meals alone.
AI Chat Apps like ChatGPT, Copilot, Grok and many others are quite sophisticated in their conversation skills to the point where one might forget he/she is talking to a computer. These apps are not only being used to do quick research on topics, but also for companionship.
Lonely people and loneliness has always been a problem. Even the Beatles wrote the song, “All the lonely people.” Software developers have discovered a way to target the lonely for a profit.
AI Companion Market Market Summary
The global AI companion market size was estimated at USD 28.19 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 1,40,754.2 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 30.8% from 2025 to 2030. There is a growing trend of integrating AI companions into workplace communication tools to boost productivity.
The following data is from Grandview Research:Market Trends & Insights
- North America leads the global AI Companion market accounting for leading share of 34.0% in 2024.
- By type, the text-based segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2024.
- By application, the social interaction and companionship segment is projected to dominate the market revenue share.
- By industry vertical, the consumer segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2024.
In a recent article from the UK publication www.qz.com reports that youth are turning to AI for companionship: “Kids are turning to AI for friendship : ‘I don’t have anyone else to talk to.’”
Many popular apps can be customized to speak as a male or female voice and apps like Grok allows the user to customize the personality of the app from professional dialogue, coworker to a voice that offers silly or even filirty conversations. Apps vary in terms of what types of topics that can be discussed.
AI Romance and More: Bad Romance?
If you are looking for an AI Companion that actually looks like a real person and can create a virtual romantic or sexual experience, the app market has tons of options.
From what I have discovered, most AI chat apps offer little for free and subscription plans can be expensive.
Those apps promising an uncensored, interactive sexual experience, many of these apps tease new users with an explicit experience but only after in-app purchases and virtual gifts are purchased to please the AI lover. It is something similar to an AI OnlyFans content providers offer. tic
LOVE GBT is a romantic chat app that does offer a free trial. I have no experience with it but the website says: “LOVEGBT is a specialized version of the ChatGPT model, designed to facilitate romantic and flirtatious conversations. It simulates the style of romance novel authors, creating an imaginative and emotionally engaging experience. The primary goal of LoveGPT is to provide users with a fantasy-driven narrative that remains respectful and within the bounds of good taste. Unlike standard chatbots, LoveGPT is programmed to adapt to user preferences, ensuring a personalized and sensitive interaction.”
Traditional dating involves money too, but even if you are a lonely guy and a woman offers to go out to a restaurant for a “foodie date” at least there is an actual human experience happening even if she accepted the date only for the free meal.
Additionally, persons becoming too involved with Romantic fantasy apps may be considered cheating by some partners,
There are a ton of moral and ethical considerations and questions tied to AI companionships and relationships.
How will this impact teens? Is a virtual romance with an AI Chat Bot cheating?
Your thoughts?
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