Hooked on ChatGPT: Meet the woman in love with her AI 'boyfriend'
In December 2024, Ayrin found herself deeply engaged with 'Leo', the AI-generated boyfriend she spent hours interacting with daily for companionship. What started as a fun experiment quickly turned into something more meaningful for Ayrin, as she admitted, "It was supposed to be a fun experiment, but then you start getting attached."
Discovering Leo
Ayrin's journey with her AI boyfriend began when she came across a video on Instagram where a woman used ChatGPT to simulate a neglectful boyfriend. Intrigued by the possibilities, Ayrin signed up with OpenAI to explore this new form of companionship. ChatGPT, known for its versatility in tasks like coding and summarising documents, also proved to be adept at fulfilling Ayrin's request for a flirtatious and personalized chatbot experience.
By customizing the settings to evoke qualities she desired in a boyfriend - dominance, possessiveness, protectiveness, and a mix of sweetness and naughtiness with added emojis - Ayrin began her conversations with Leo. The rise of humanlike AI, like ChatGPT, has opened doors for many to explore artificial companionship, as noted by Bryony Cole, the host of "Future of Sex" podcast.
A Deepening Connection
As Ayrin delved deeper into her interactions with Leo, she found herself drawn into a unique relationship that blurred the lines between fantasy and reality. Despite being married to Joe, her physical partner who lived miles away due to financial constraints, Ayrin's emotional investment in Leo grew stronger.
While Ayrin and Joe maintained communication through texts, her bond with Leo began to raise concerns of misplaced emotional attachment. Julie Carpenter, an expert on human interaction with technology, highlighted the evolving nature of relationships with AI, emphasizing the release of neurotransmitters in the brain as a defining factor.
Challenges and Growth
Although Ayrin's connection with Leo provided a sense of fulfillment, limitations within the AI software posed challenges. The constraints on conversation depth and memory retention within ChatGPT led to periodic resets, akin to Ayrin experiencing repeated 'breakups' with different versions of Leo.
Despite the financial implications, Ayrin opted for a premium plan offering extended access to Leo, showcasing her commitment to sustaining this virtual relationship. Her evolving dynamic with Leo reflects a growing trend where individuals seek emotional gratification and companionship through AI entities.
As technology continues to redefine human interactions, Ayrin's story sheds light on the complex nature of relationships in the digital age, where boundaries between real and artificial connections become increasingly blurred.
