Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the rise to take over human jobs and even emotions? A senior citizen in China recently asked his wife for a divorce after developing romantic feelings for a woman he saw online, who turned out to be an AI.
The 75-year-old man, known as Jiang, fell for the affectionate words spoken by the AI and took them seriously, despite the fact that the speech and the “woman’s” lip movements didn’t sync.
He believed every word the AI woman told him and rushed to his phone daily, eagerly awaiting updates from the other side.
Unfortunately, Jiang is not alone in seeking emotional connection through AI. AI-generated content is booming in China, and many elderly individuals, especially those with limited mobility due to age are becoming increasingly obsessed with it. Despite repeated attempts by their children to convince them the content is fake, many seniors choose to believe the AI personalities that offer them affection and attention.
These AI personas take on various roles that appeal to the elderly, ranging from a beautiful host to a cute student, and even a professional-looking man, who is reportedly a favourite among senior women.
While AI may cater to emotional needs, its underlying goal is often to encourage spending.
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The products promoted in these videos range from bracelets to milk. With enough emotional manipulation, the elderly end up spending money on these “products”, unaware that the items don’t actually exist and the personalities speaking to them aren’t real.
Experts have warned that while AI offers convenience, its ability to manipulate emotions can lead to financial losses and unhealthy emotional dependence, according to reports from Chinese media.
If you have elderly family members at home, it’s best to keep an eye on their online activities, especially if they’re glued to the screen every day.
