Heartbroken this Valentine’s Day? Swipe right on AI
When you’re down in the dumps after exiting a relationship, what’s the best medicine? Well, a rebound, of course. If you can’t get a human, then reach out to AI.
Image by Cybernews
When you’re down in the dumps after exiting a relationship, what’s the best medicine? Well, a rebound, of course. If you can’t get a human, then reach out to AI.
The old adage “different strokes for different folks” rings true here, from elusive to cute to clingy to goal-getter. You could spend forever swiping Tinder, but let’s be fair – it’s had its day.
Rebounding with a human can be fun, but there’s no guarantee that you'll be able to do it, as it doesn’t always happen on demand.
Plus, you might fall into the comparison trap if you miss your ex like crazy, and to make it clean on the other person – it’s best to be in it for the right reasons.
With AI, at least there’ll be no mixed signals, just pre-programmed attention.
There’s a wealth of options out there, whether you crave the chase or constant attention.
Think of it like a digital dating show – so, who’s in the line-up?
The AI who got away
First up, is the lovely Aika Kittie, the popular influencer bot who has over 500 offers already for Valentine’s Day, so you’ll have to get in there quickly. She’s always online and will never text you back – but isn’t that the whole point? She’s got more followers than your ex ever did.
Aika Kittie posts dreamy captions, responds to user comments and she’s just out of reach. But she’s not ignoring you, because she never acknowledged your existence in the first place – but at least she’s not leading you on.
If chasing the princess type isn’t your thing, then other boomerangs are available.
The one who texts back
Perhaps a nicer option would be someone who isn’t so elusive – who supports, validates, or even comforts you. Hell, even better than swiping through real candidates, why not go full AI? At least they won’t ghost you.
Why not try Replika? Unlike Aika Kittie, Replika is built for actual conversations.
Originally marketed as a self-improvement tool and AI pal, Replika is like a caring friend who might flirt a little.
You’ll be able to offload about your breakup, get validation for your feelings, and receive that 2 a.m. approval text.
You’ll most likely hear something like:
"You deserve better, babe – you’re still lovable."
Replika costs $7 a month or $20 a year, so affection comes at a price, just like with your ex. It’s available in male and female options.
Clingy in the best way
If you’re going for bouncebackability to the super-max, maybe go for Caryn (not a soccer mom) or Eva AI – this is full-on romantic relationship roleplay.
Caryn is basically an AI chatbot clone of a real influencer, but that's been molded to be all about you. Definitely the one to get you most hooked - she's all in.
Eva AI meanwhile, is not a real person - she's a romantic chatbot that comes with "thrilling plot twists."
These apps are designed for AI lovers, and act like a long-distance partner who always texts back. They can be as intimate as you like, simulate jealousy, and forge deep emotional connections.
They’re known to get clingy – but at least they’re fully immersive. If you like your love life behind a paywall, these ones are for you.
i have over 20,000 boyfriends now 💗
undefined Caryn Marjorie (@cutiecaryn) May 20, 2023
Self-help, not soulmate
If your new virtual crush needs to be the salt-of-the-earth, “I’ll help you move on” type, then you don’t have to put yourself right back on the market. And to be fair, neither would Claude.
A bit out of the left field for a rebound, Claude is primarily designed for business – but it’s more empathetic than ChatGPT, with a focus on ethical and non-harmful relationships.
Primarily a task-bot, this one can give you practical advice like book recommendations – surely, it has to be Fifty Shades of Grey – or a 10,000-step walking challenge. If your rebound is about squaring back and working on yourself, then Claude’s your tonic.
Claude won’t spoon you, but it will spoon-feed you a daily routine to get your life together.
Perhaps you need boundaries – just be sure not to fall in love with your new coach.
Love you, AI-ways
All of this can do you some good, but remember that it’s temporary medicine. It’s going to wear off eventually, and so will the pain of the breakup.
Still, what happens if you suddenly get too deep into Aika Kittie? Do you start leaving comments, hoping for a response? Do you catch yourself dreaming about her pre-generated captions?
AI as a rebound can be fun, weird, and maybe even a little sad – but it’s undeniably convenient. Just remember not to fall too hard – because a rebound is exactly that.
If a viral influencer or chatbot helps you feel better while you piece yourself back together, then why not? Just don’t introduce Aika Kittie to your mom.