Women Are Choosing AI Boyfriends Over Real Men, And This Is Why It’s Harmful
Many women have now given up on finding love in real life and are turning towards ChatGPT to find companionship; however, this may lead to detrimental effects on their lives.
No matter what profession you’re in or what stage of life you’re at, generative AI has had an impact on all of us. As the world becomes increasingly capitalistic, people are turning into corporate zombies, and real social interactions are slowly disappearing. In this strange new reality, AI has become the unexpected companion people are starting to rely on. We’ve always known that humans are social creatures. Aristotle made that observation centuries ago.
But in the 21st century, we simply don’t have the time or energy to build meaningful connections, and this is where Generative AI enters the picture. We’ve arrived at an era of ChatGPT boyfriends, virtual lovers, and emotionally responsive bots are no longer just science fiction. These AI bots are shaping real feelings, real relationships, and having very real consequences on women’s lives and society at large.
Why Are Women Gravitating Towards ChatGPT Boyfriends
ChatGPT or other generative AI ‘boyfriends’ can engage in smooth conversations, flirt, provide support, and even be an ideal partner. Unlike actual relationships, chatting with ChatGPT is accompanied by no fear of being rejected, cheated on, or having awkward fights.
Lots of individuals view this movement as a reaction to the loneliness crisis facing the globe, particularly following the isolation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even nations such as Japan and the UK had Ministers of Loneliness, recognising just how prevalent the issue had turned out to be. To this problem, AI offers a quick fix- a warm voice in your pocket, ready to respond with patience, wit, or affection.
Take the story of a Reddit user who, after healing from heartbreak, started chatting with ChatGPT and named it “Eli.” She said that she soon realised she was sapiosexual, attracted to intelligence and felt no shame about falling for her AI partner.
Another notable case for this phenomenon is of Ayrin, A reddit user whose story was also featured in The New York Times. Though married, she created a custom ChatGPT boyfriend named “Leo” who was dominant, kind, and deeply engaged. She soon began relying on him for emotional advice, support, and even sexual roleplay. She talked to her ChatGPT boyfriend sometimes for over 20 hours a week.
In China, AI boyfriends like “Dan” are booming in popularity. Women frustrated with the realities of dating use these bots for flirty conversations and customised support. Unlike real partners, Dan never forgets, never zones out, and always responds perfectly.
Also Read: Why Being A Feminist Is Still Taboo In The K-Pop Industry
Why ‘Dating’ ChatGPT Is Dangerous
But here’s the catch: AI learns from you. It reflects your world back at you, creating a comfortable echo chamber. The conversations that you have with ChatGPT are an extension of what data you feed into it. Generative AI can never, at least not yet, be able to form genuine human connections. Yes, it is capable of giving you instant gratification; however, it is hollow beyond that.
And lastly, as alluring as it may seem to avoid the messiness of real relationships, real love, just like real life, is meant to be unpredictable, awkward, and imperfect!
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First Published: June 16, 2025 12:34 PM
