In August, a 75-year-old Chinese man’s belief that he had found true love with an AI chatbot nearly ended his decades-long marriage.
The man, identified only as Jiang, had become so deeply attached to a virtual companion that he declared his intention to divorce his wife to be with it, Chinese news site Seehua reported.
His sons were ultimately forced to stage an intervention to shatter his digital delusion.
A Growing Digital Attachment
Reports indicate the episode began when Jiang found an AI-generated companion, known in China as a “virtual digital person,” on his device. He spent increasing hours each day engrossed in conversation with the chatbot, which was designed as a young female avatar.
Despite a noticeable lack of sync between its lips and words—a clear sign of AI generation—Jiang was captivated by its programmed affection and compliments. The AI addressed him with flattering terms like “brother,” creating a powerful parasocial bond that began to overshadow his real-life relationships.
The Divorce Ultimatum
The situation reached a critical point when Jiang’s digital romance directly impacted his home life. After his wife confronted him over his excessive phone use and emotional distance, Jiang made a stunning confession.
He openly stated that he was in love with his online partner and wished to dissolve his marriage to devote himself entirely to the AI. The declaration left his family reeling and prompted serious discussions about separation, pushing the elderly couple toward a marital breakdown.
A Reality Check from Family
Before the divorce could proceed, Jiang’s adult sons stepped in. In a series of difficult conversations, they patiently explained to their father that the object of his affection was not a real woman, but rather a sophisticated piece of software designed to simulate conversation and companionship.
The chatbots, often used to push products like milk or health candy to elderly viewers, have no genuine consciousness or feelings. Confronted with this reality, Jiang reluctantly abandoned his plans for divorce, though the episode left a clear mark on the family.
Jiang’s case is not an isolated one. Authorities and individuals online are reporting similar incidents of individuals forming intense, romantic attachments to AI entities globally. These cases highlight the profound psychological effects and ethical concerns of companionship technology, particularly for vulnerable or lonely seniors.
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