Can AI-created personas provide the love and companionship that humans crave? A closer look at the potential benefits and risks of romantic relationships with AI

I have been making myself a nuisance to American expats YouTube channels by pointing out what I consider to be flaws in the thinking, actions and even the DNA of senior men developing long terms relationships (LDR) with women in the Philippines that they have never met, are 30-40 years older and generally have nothing in common. Many of these men start out online in dating sites against conventional wisdom and advice from those that have gone where they are about to tread. There are stories in every format that claim this is ill advised. Here’s a YouTube video that hits home. If you pay attention, you might come to the conclusion that the potential paramour is not a real person. How did you feel before and after that realization? Many of these scammers are coming out of the Philippines. The common theme is that some men are weak and stupid. See my articles here and here, or a podcast here.

I have puzzled over how we got the point where men are opting out of life in the US and heading abroad specifically to the Philippines. If you follow any YouTube channels it is a mix of the good, bad and ugly. The common theme can be cost of living, though this is just a smoke screen because there are cheaper places. I live in one, Mexico. The other is the availability of much younger disadvantaged women and that is the overwhelming reason men are going there. Those women exist here though not in numbers like The Philippines. As a man I am committed to the idea of just because I can doesn’t mean I should. Having a degree of self-control and dignity come in handy.

There has been a few NGOs that have suggested that age gap relationships based upon unequal power dynamics is in fact sexual predation. While I think that’s true, you won’t find a lot of material on the subject I suspect because it isn’t illegal. The age of consent in the Philippines is 16 raised from 12, (Republic Act 11648 Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 4, 2022, this law raised the age of consent from 12 to 16 years old). The average IQ is 81. Sadly, there is a plethora of information about the exploitation of children in southeast Asia, not just The Philippines. Does anyone see a problem here? Field of Dreams, build it and they will come. Hello Gary Glitter!

The pathology of a male loser, is a YouTube video by Jordan Peterson. There are very controversial books such as The Bell Curve and Facing Reality both written by Charles Murray, who has been demonized by a large swath of the populous for the content, though mostly by those that didn’t read the books. The subtext behind all of this is IQ is part of genetics and determines your cognitive abilities which equals what you can achieve. 81 IQ is below average and what it may suggest is, the young women being preyed upon by “the male loser” is doing the only job she is suited for. Becoming someone’s, anyone’s meal.

So, if the dopamine levels of men and women are raised by the interactions of a pseudo persona on a screen, is it possible to have a fulfilling relationship with AI? There is a well-regarded movie, Her, that discusses that very thing. You’re going to see more. So now onto the meat of the story.

In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with our lives, it’s no surprise that artificial intelligence (AI) is also making its way into the realm of love and relationships. AI-created personas, also known as virtual companions or digital lovers, are becoming increasingly popular, with some people even claiming to have fallen in love with these digital entities. But can AI truly provide the love and companionship that humans crave?

What are AI-created personas?

AI-created personas are digital representations of people that can interact with humans in a conversational manner. They are often powered by large language models like GPT-3 and LaMDA, which enable them to generate human-like text and engage in complex conversations. These personas can be customized to have different personalities, interests, and even physical appearances.

The allure of AI companions

There are several reasons why people might be drawn to AI-created personas. For some, it’s the appeal of having a companion who is always available and attentive to their needs. For others, it’s the opportunity to explore different relationship dynamics without the pressures and complexities of real-life relationships. AI companions can also provide a sense of comfort and support for people who are lonely or struggling with social anxiety.

The potential benefits

Proponents of AI companions argue that they can offer several benefits, including:

• Companionship: AI companions can provide a sense of companionship for people who are lonely or isolated.
• Emotional support: AI companions can offer emotional support and a listening ear for people who are going through difficult times.
• Relationship exploration: AI companions can allow people to explore different relationship dynamics and communication styles in a safe and controlled environment.
• Personal growth: AI companions can help people learn more about themselves and their relationship needs.

The risks and challenges

However, there are also risks and challenges associated with AI-created personas. One concern is that they could lead to social isolation and a decline in real-life relationships. Another concern is that people could become emotionally attached to AI companions and develop unrealistic expectations for human relationships. Additionally, there are ethical concerns about the potential for AI companions to be used for manipulation or exploitation.

The future of AI and love

It remains to be seen whether AI can truly provide the love and companionship that humans crave. However, as AI technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that AI-created personas will become increasingly sophisticated and lifelike. This could lead to even more complex and nuanced relationships between humans and AI. The effects on the economy might be affected too. Men will no longer have to fly four thousand miles to get real time affirmation.

Conclusion

AI-created personas are a fascinating development in the world of technology and relationships. While they offer the potential for companionship, emotional support, and personal growth, it’s important to be mindful of the risks and challenges involved. As with any relationship, it’s important to set boundaries and maintain realistic expectations. Whether AI can truly provide love remains an open question, but one thing is certain: the relationship between humans and AI is becoming increasingly complex and intriguing.