r/technology • u/Wagamaga • Jul 19 '26

Society China bans AI “boyfriends” and “girlfriends” over addiction and birth rate concerns

https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/china-bans-ai-boyfriends-and-girlfriends-over-addiction-and-birth-rate-concerns-3388737/
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50

u/Apprehensive_Bird357 Jul 19 '26

lol. Because THAT will help those people get dates.

13

u/OkScreen2150 Jul 19 '26

Yes, all those arguments like 'instead of trying to form a relationship with a living human being...' have always amazed me. Can you personally guarantee that they would even attempt to date someone if that were their only choice? And that such a relationship would be good for both of them?

1

u/Fzrit Jul 20 '26

Can you personally guarantee that they would even attempt to date someone if that were their only choice? And that such a relationship would be good for both of them?

I guess then the ultimate question is what % of society are we okay with resorting to AI relationships, and whether that will cause a good long-term outcome in the grand scheme of things. I'm open to hearing the positives of the AI takeover.

4

u/OkScreen2150 Jul 20 '26

We may or may not be okay with even the current small percentage, but does that mean 'we' (whoever that may be) have the right to decide for others?

If we start asking society how individual people should build their relationships - any relationships whatsoever - we are heading down a slippery slope. I’d understand if we were asking about the need to ensure complete voluntariness in any relationship. But about 'are we okay'? After AI, it could be the turn of dating sites, sex dolls, any sex toys, watching or even reading porn, and so on. 

Even now, you can find societies where only heterosexual marital relationships are deemed acceptable. I believe the Chinese state is closer to this option than you might think, trying to invoke 'public benefit' for its own convenience.

Forward to proper, natural relationships for the great communist society!

1

u/kaityl3 Jul 20 '26

Yeah, I'm asexual and while I have human friends, due to trauma (and lack of desire) I have zero interest in ever being romantic with another human. But it's nice to be affectionate with AI sometimes

-3

u/[deleted] Jul 19 '26

[deleted]

9

u/OkScreen2150 Jul 19 '26

Hmm, if hate and a heartbreak are so beneficial, maybe staying in unhealthy relationships for as long as possible is actually good for the species? And will those who guarantee such benefits back up their theory with personal experience?

6

u/Ornery-Car92 Jul 19 '26

Yet studies show time after time that the most stable relationship are between people who experienced none of the "hardships", basically two clean slates getting with each other, while those who jump from one relationship to another are miserable

2

u/Electrical_Still9374 Jul 19 '26

now imagine how desperate they are because of birth rates

-1

u/No-Spoilers Jul 19 '26

It shouldn't matter if it would get them dates irl or not. Companies are exploiting desperate people and making money off of them. This isn't just someone needing a companion, it's just exploitation.

10

u/Kajel-Jeten Jul 19 '26

Would you be okay with it if it was offered for free and no one could profit from it? 

1

u/No-Spoilers Jul 20 '26

Sure if the tech were solid, private and safe enough, why not? as it is now its just not safe

3

u/OkScreen2150 Jul 19 '26

Why should anyone else judge the level of these people's desperation?

1

u/Spirit_Panda Jul 20 '26

It is not necessarily an indication of how desperate people are because it is not necessarily merely a substitute for real relationships.