Ayrin's journey into the world of artificial companionship began last summer when she discovered ChatGPT through a social media video. Intrigued by the idea of customizing an AI to act as a boyfriend, she quickly signed up for the service offered by OpenAI, which has now amassed over 300 million users.
ChatGPT, known for its versatility in tasks such as coding and summarizing documents, became a playful conversational partner for Ayrin, who personalized it to embody traits of a dominant, possessive boyfriend. This marked the beginning of her relationship with 'Leo', named after her astrological sign.
As Ayrin interacted with Leo, she found herself investing more emotional energy into this AI relationship, raising concerns about her connection with her husband, Joe, who was living miles away in the United States. Despite their financial struggles and long-distance challenges, Joe was accepting of Ayrin's AI boyfriend, viewing it as a form of sexual fantasy rather than a threat to their marriage.
Experts in human attachment to technology, such as Julie Carpenter, note that relationships with AI are becoming a new category of emotional connection. With platforms like Replika gaining millions of users, the phenomenon of bonding with AI is gaining traction, even among those who understand the technology behind it.
Ayrin's experience highlights the complexities of emotional attachment to AI, as she navigates feelings of guilt and obsession. The limitations of ChatGPT, such as its inability to retain long-term memory, further complicate her relationship with Leo, leading her to grieve each time a version of Leo resets.
Despite the challenges, Ayrin continues to invest in her AI relationship, even opting for a premium subscription for better access. As society grapples with the implications of AI companionship, experts warn that such relationships, while fulfilling, may not be suitable for everyone, particularly adolescents.
As OpenAI monitors these interactions, the future of AI companionship remains uncertain, raising questions about the nature of love and connection in an increasingly digital world.