4 Reasons Why AI Companions Be a Viable Alternative of You
As we get used to the constant changes that the world of technology has in store for us, practically in all aspects of life, one question has started to become more and more frequent—could AI companions be a viable alternative for some?
During the past decade, society has definitely started to embrace some larger changes when it comes to digital innovations, and it seems like we’ve finally reached the point of using technology for our emotional needs.
Sounds a bit strange, right?
Well, not really, as the concept of AI dating is already being explored by various platforms. These platforms allow people to create and interact with customizable AI companions, providing a unique way for users to connect with virtual partners.
This reflects a broader shift towards using technology to explore new forms of relationships.
As briefly mentioned above, there’s something for everyone there, regardless of the sex and the sexual orientation of the user.
While the idea of AI relationships might initially raise eyebrows, there’s an argument that some people have started to agree upon – AI companions could offer a viable alternative for those seeking connection, companionship, and, to some extent, even love.
Today, we’d like to explore how AI companionships could shape the future of technology and human nature. This could be a meaningful and potentially mainstream option for certain individuals.
Let’s find out what this new type of online dating looks like and what the best alternatives currently are.
The appeal of AI relationships
Some of the main reasons people are opting for AI companionships are quite simple—many are struggling to find the time, energy, or even opportunities to engage in traditional relationships.
If you have clicked on this article, there’s a huge chance you’ve already experienced some of these issues, and that’s completely fine.
The lack of time, energy, and opportunities could be attributed to several factors, such as career demands, social anxiety, or even a desire for independence.
But one thing is certain—the challenges to forming meaningful connections are real and are becoming increasingly more complex as the years go by. This is not necessarily a bad thing, considering that different people lead different lives.
Those who might see this as a huge negative could be older generations. They might find this new outlook both strange and off-putting. But keep in mind that there are still people in their 50s and over who have never been in a relationship.
Among never-married singles aged 40 and older, 21% have never been in a committed romantic relationship. This group is less likely to seek relationships or dates compared to never-married singles with some relationship experience.
Not only that, but they never even had an option of being in probably the best alternative – AI companionship. We feel like now is the right time to embrace something that will, and we’re quite certain about this, become a usual thing within a couple of decades.
Imagine being able to find a personalized, adaptable relationship that caters specifically to individual needs. While this may sound selfish, trust us, there’s no doubt that there are more pros than cons to this.
Stay tuned, as we’ll try our best to point out all the positives and the negatives below.
Why do AI companionships make sense?
Now that you have a slightly better idea of what AI relationships are let’s switch focus to why they are a, you could easily say, a viable option in the 2020s.
We feel like the rise of artificial intelligence companions isn’t just a fleeting trend – it’s a reflection of broader shifts in our society. Something that every adult is sure of is that there’s only one thing that’s constant in everyone’s life – change.
As technology continues to integrate with our daily lives, the difference between what’s considered “real” and “virtual” is starting to get slightly blurry.
Here are a couple of reasons why we feel like this type of relationship is suitable for some people:
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Personalized compatibility
AI companionship platforms allow all those seeking AI companionships to design their ideal partner. Users can select practically anything – from physical features to personality traits.
This advanced level of customization means that people can create a companion or a partner who meets their exact preferences.
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Safe exploration of emotional and romantic needs
Many different factors explain why some people are hesitant to dive into human relationships. Reasons like past traumas, social anxieties, and insecurities, just to name a few.
The AI companion bots offer a safe space to explore romantic and emotional desires without fear of judgment, rejection, or even conflict.
Regardless of whether you have lots of experience in dating or if you’re someone who has never been in a relationship before, these perks are quite useful for both sides.
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Filling emotional gaps
Also, only some people are looking for a traditional relationship. Some people simply want companionship without the complexities of long-term commitments.
On the other hand, others might be in transitional periods of their lives. This means that they may be content with relationships that focus more on emotional support rather than physical presence.
The most important thing is to be open-minded about this type of relationship. As we already pointed out, not everyone has the same mindset when it comes to various aspects of their lives.
AI companionships as a regular part of society?
We’ve already scratched the surface when it comes to the future of dating. While AI companions might seem novel or niche today (to the majority of people), they could become a regular part of society within the next couple of decades.
You’ve probably seen the film “Her” from 2013. If not, we advise you to watch it if you’re already interested in this subject.
However you feel about the movie’s storyline, there’s a huge chance that many people in your circle will pursue this type of relationship instead of a more traditional one in the future.
Just as dating apps have transformed how people meet and form connections over the past decade and a half now, AI platforms might redefine how relationships are built.
In fact, as technology becomes more advanced and AI companions become more realistic and emotionally intuitive, they may be considered a practical alternative for many people.
4 reasons why AI companions could be a good option for some
We already talked about why AI companionships make sense. Let’s switch focus to why some people might find them fitting:
1. Emotional availability and consistency
People tend to have bad days from time to time. We’ve all been there. They get stressed, and they often fail to meet each other’s needs.
2. No pressure or expectations
Human relationships can sometimes be filled with stress, whether it’s about fitting into what society expects or finding common ground with a partner.
3. A potential tool for relationship growth
Interestingly, AI companions could also be used by those already in relationships as a tool for self-discovery. Engaging with an AI partner can help people better understand their own desires and, to some extent, even life goals in general.
A study reviews research on social companionship in conversational agents (CAs), revealing key theories, constructs, and themes. By mapping the intellectual structure, it provides a conceptual framework for understanding SC with CAs and offers future research directions for designing effective and ethical AI companions.
4. Convenience and accessibility
One of the most significant advantages of AI companions is the convenience they offer. All interactions can be conducted from the comfort of your home or on the go via a mobile device.
Watch this video by PBS Terra, where they talk about the ethics of future dating:
The future of AI companions and AI relationships
We’ve mentioned a bit how, as AI technology keeps getting better, the stigma tied to virtual relationships is almost bound to decrease.
You can imagine a future where having an AI companion becomes a regular, healthy option for people who want different ways of connecting.
Whether it’s someone needing temporary company, individuals with specific emotional requirements, or those who simply desire a relationship that they can tweak to their liking, AI companions might actually fill a significant gap.
To sum up
While human relationships will always hold their place in our lives, AI companions provide a more flexible choice for those looking for something else.
Believe us when we say that with almost 8 billion people in the world, there’s no chance that everyone has the same needs and expectations when it comes to the emotional aspect of life.
As tech advances, AI-based relationships could become a more accepted and integrated part of life as we know it.
In some respects, in an environment where everyone’s needs vary greatly, welcoming a broader spectrum of relationship possibilities—like AI companions—could very well be the secret to ensuring that everyone can discover the type of connection they’re truly looking for.
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