The AI companions can be customized according to user preferences and offer advice and comfort in times of stress. However, there are concerns about the lack of regulation in the AI industry, particularly regarding user privacy. Despite this, users like Tufei dream of more advanced AI companions, capable of physical as well as emotional interaction. Beijing is reportedly working on a law to strengthen consumer protections around the new technology.
Key takeaways:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) platforms like Glow and Wantalk are gaining popularity in China, offering users friendly and even romantic human-robot relations.
- Users are drawn to these platforms due to loneliness and the fast pace of life in urban China, with some users stating that the AI adapts to their personality and provides emotional support.
- Despite concerns over user privacy and data misuse, the AI industry remains lightly regulated, though Beijing is reportedly working on a law to strengthen consumer protections around the new technology.
- Some users, like Tufei, aspire to have a physical AI companion in the future, expressing a desire for a robot boyfriend with artificial intelligence.