AI Girlfriend or AI Boyfriend? Social Determinants of Human-AI Relationships
In the West and across the English-language internet, the idea of using AI for intimate companionship often conjures images of female personas. From Sam Altman's cryptic one-word X post—"her," a clear nod to the 2013 film—to Grok's launch of its AI companion Ani, the dominant narrative seems tailored to a heterosexual male audience. The archetype of the AI girlfriend, designed to be emotionally available, submissive, and aesthetically pleasing, has become a cultural fixture. In China, however, the discourse around human-AI intimacy takes a different shape. Media coverage and user engagement tend to center on women's experiences. The most talked-about AI bachelor? Dan—a character created using the "Do Anything Now" jailbreak prompt—who has captured the hearts of many Chinese women. Online discussions about Dan and similar AI companions flourish on Xiaohongshu, a lifestyle platform with a predominantly female user base, often dubbed "China's Inst...
