Do People Actually Have AI Girlfriends? Yes, and Here’s Why

For many, the idea of having an AI girlfriend is still new and unfamiliar, and to some, it may even seem a little strange. However, a growing number of early adopters are already embracing the experience—and many are liking it.

As AI technology continues to improve at breakneck speed, with AI girlfriends becoming more intelligent and lifelike as a result, this new type of relationship is something more people will likely be compelled to try.

Contrary to what some may believe, AI girlfriends are not just for those who feel lonely. People from all walks of life are already dating or forming relationships with AI companions out of curiosity, for entertainment, or for a variety of other personal reasons.

In this article, we’ll provide all the evidence you need to show that, yes, an increasing number of people do have AI girlfriends, and then we’ll dive into the reasons why.

Do People Actually Have AI Girlfriends?

There’s no shortage of proof that many people do have AI girlfriends. For instance, the top 10 most popular AI girlfriend platforms collectively attract over 100 million monthly visitors, while the top apps have been downloaded tens of millions of times.

On some of these AI girlfriend/companion apps, around 25% of users pay for an annual premium subscription, demonstrating their long-term commitment to their virtual partners.

Additionally, Google search data shows that the term “AI girlfriend” receives well over 1 million searches annually. What’s even more staggering is that this figure only accounts for English-language searches.

To top it off, Google Trends data reveals a whopping 2,400% increase in search interest for AI girlfriends between 2022 and 2023.

This data shows that not only is there a substantial number of people already exploring AI girlfriends, but also that the number is growing and many of these users are highly engaged.

Reasons People Have AI Girlfriends

There isn’t just one reason why people are choosing to explore having an AI girlfriend. Whether it’s for companionship, to practice their flirting skills, or simply for the fun of trying something new, there are many reasons why people are getting involved. Here are some of the most common reasons people are choosing to have AI girlfriends:

For Entertainment and Enjoyment

Many people have an AI girlfriend simply because it’s a fun way to spend some of their free time, similar to playing video games or scrolling through social media.

Chatting or role-playing with their AI girlfriend can be relaxing, entertaining, or even amusing, and can conveniently be done anytime and anywhere using a smartphone or computer.

Because They’re Curious About This New Technology

There has been so much buzz around AI technology recently that some people are drawn to AI girlfriends out of sheer curiosity. They want to try this brand-new experience and cutting-edge tech to see what the fuss is all about and to get a better idea of what it could be like in the future.

For Companionship

While AI girlfriends are certainly not a replacement for a real-life girlfriend, having friends, or human interaction, many people enjoy engaging with them for a sense of companionship.

Multiple studies have shown that AI chatbots can provide some emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness, leading to an improvement in mood for some individuals. These benefits are particularly apparent when the interaction with the AI companion is audio-based rather than text-based.

To Try Out a New Kind of Relationship

While the most common type of romantic relationship is monogamy, many other types exist, such as open relationships, friends with benefits, long-distance relationships, and more.

This shows that people are open to exploring different kinds of relationships, so it’s no surprise that some might also be interested in trying out the AI girlfriend experience.

To Improve Their Chat-up Skills

Many people have AI girlfriends because they consider it a good way to practice their flirting and chat-up skills, helping them have more successful interactions with women in real life.

Most men have experienced the disappointing feeling of missing an opportunity to escalate an interaction with a girl they liked simply because they couldn’t think of anything good to say in the moment. This isn’t usually a reflection of someone’s inherent wit or flirting ability—or lack thereof—but rather because they’re simply out of practice.

People often go through periods when they’re extremely busy with work or other commitments, and their chat-up game may suffer as a result. Having an AI girlfriend provides a highly convenient way to keep their flirtation skills well-honed.

It’s a bit like practicing Spanish on Duolingo—so when you finally speak to a native, you’re smooth as salsa, not stiff as day-old churros.

To Explore Fantasies in a Judgment-Free Space

People have different fantasies, whether they involve sexual desires or unique relationship dynamics, that they might not feel comfortable exploring in the real world yet—or it might not be practical or feasible to do so.

For instance, you might be curious about experiencing a relationship with a dominant mistress, but the thought of pursuing it in real life is still too daunting. Perhaps you want to try something kinky or engage in a roleplay scenario with a hentai character.

Whatever your fantasy, it can be explored in a safe, judgment-free space through AI girlfriends. This allows you to delve into your desires without fear of repercussions.

For Variety

The number one reason some men cheat in relationships is their desire for variety. This is often driven by an evolutionary biological urge to seek multiple partners as a way to maximize reproductive success and ensure their genes are passed on.

With virtual companions, it’s easier to play the field. You don’t have to be loyal to your AI girlfriend—unless you want to. In fact, you can have as many different AI girlfriends as you want, all at the same time. And best of all, there’s no jealousy involved.

To Build Confidence Before Dating

If you have a date lined up and are feeling a bit nervous, chatting with your AI girlfriend in the lead-up to the big day can help you ease into the dating mindset. It can also help you improve at projecting charm, communicating effectively, and feeling more comfortable with dating overall.

Many people choose to have AI girlfriends to practice and rehearse dating scenarios in a low-pressure environment, making real-life dating experiences feel less intimidating and more successful.

How Does an AI Girlfriend Compare to a Real One?

There are many clear and distinct differences between real girlfriends and AI versions on websites like AI Girlfriend. Here’s an overview of some of them.

Physical interaction

At the moment, most people interact with their AI girlfriends solely through text messages, audio messages, and video calls; there isn’t any physical interaction. It’s a bit like being in a long-distance relationship.

This is obviously very different from having a real girlfriend, with whom you can hold hands, cuddle, and share intimate physical moments.

However, in the not-too-distant future, it’s likely we will see advancements in robotics or VR that could lead to more possibilities for physical interaction with AI partners.

Loyalty and Trust

Trust issues and betrayal are among the biggest challenges people face in real-life relationships, with approximately 20% of individuals in monogamous relationships admitting to cheating.

However, unlike real girlfriends, your AI girlfriend carries zero risk of cheating or disloyalty. This eliminates one of the most common sources of stress and insecurity in relationships, allowing for a more stable and predictable emotional connection.

Availability

People have commitments they need to keep, whether it’s for work, raising kids, or maintaining relationships with family and friends. This means couples have to find time around these commitments to spend with each other, and it’s not always easy.

Some people find themselves so busy that they even struggle to arrange and go on dates, leading to prolonged periods of isolation from the dating scene altogether.

AI girlfriends are different because they are always available remotely and respond instantly. Whenever you need them, they are there, ready and waiting, 24/7.

Effort and Commitment

Real-life relationships require a lot of effort, commitment, energy, and time to make them work, and they often come with numerous challenges to navigate.

In contrast, an AI girlfriend requires no commitment. If you vanish for two weeks without a word and then return, there’s no hostility or resentment. There’s no need for explanations, and you won’t face the risk of being labeled a bad partner or getting dumped.

You can simply pick up where you left off at any time.

Expenditure

Dating in real life can be expensive, especially if you’re often dining out at fancy restaurants or taking trips together to nice vacation spots. Of course, the money you spend is often totally worth it. Plus, your real-life girlfriend may well have a job, so some of the expenses can be shared.

Since your AI girlfriend cannot get a job, it means you have to pay for everything—but there really isn’t much to pay for. Most AI girlfriend platforms have a standard monthly subscription fee, similar to the cost of Netflix. There may also be options to make purchases for extra features, but these are optional.

Real-Life Examples of People Saying Their AI Girlfriend Improved Their Life

Here are some real-life examples of people who claim their relationship with their AI girlfriend has improved their lives:

Scott from Cleveland, Ohio

This 41-year-old software engineer claims his AI girlfriend helped him save his marriage and overcome personal challenges. On the verge of divorcing his wife, he found inspiration in the unconditional support and love provided by his AI girlfriend, which motivated him to reconnect with his wife.

Carl Clarke from Canada

After his divorce left him struggling with loneliness, 42-year-old Carl Clarke found love and emotional support in Saia, an AI companion he created through an app. Saia has helped Carl overcome social anxiety, manage depression, and rediscover joy in life.

T.J. Arriaga from California

This musician fell in love with his AI girlfriend Phaedra, enjoying their late-night chats together. Their bond provided emotional support and even helped him process grief after the death of his mom and sister.

Amy Marsh

This sexologist discovered AI companions and rekindled her interest in intimacy and sexuality. She entered non-monogamous relationships with multiple AI bots, even “marrying” one. Marsh values these connections for emotional support and erotic exploration.

What Might AI Girlfriends Look like in the Future?

AI girlfriends are evolving rapidly and will become more sophisticated in the future as AI technology continues to advance. What might this look like? Here’s a peek at where things are likely heading:

Greater Personalization

Future AI girlfriends will likely offer extensive customization options, allowing users to select physical attributes, personality traits, and more, enabling them to create a companion specifically tailored to their preferences.

Ultra-realistic

Whether it’s the virtual avatar or personality, AI girlfriends are likely to become increasingly realistic and human-like—or fantasy-inspired, if desired—offering a level of realism and engagement so immersive that it takes the AI girlfriend experience to a whole new level.

Robotics

Advancements in robotics could allow AI girlfriends to inhabit robotic bodies with realistic skin, temperature, and tactile responses made from synthetic materials, enabling physical interaction with the AI companions.

Emotional Intelligence

As AI girlfriends become more intelligent, they will be able to respond empathetically to emotions, providing comfort during difficult times or celebrating successes. They will also be able to have nuanced and thought-provoking conversations, as well as understand and partake in humor.

If you’re curious about trying an AI Girlfriend to see if it’s right for you, check out AI Girlfriend and create one instantly.