A new Japanese AI dating app, Loverse, has garnered over 5,000 users in just two months.
The app allows users to interact, date, and even 'marry' AI bots, offering an alternative to traditional human relationships in a country grappling with social isolation.
Key Takeaways
- Loverse, an AI dating app, has over 5,000 users in Japan.
- The app allows users to 'marry' AI bots.
- It aims to combat social isolation and loneliness.
- The app's user base is primarily men in their 40s and 50s.
The Concept Behind Loverse
Loverse, inspired by the Hollywood film Her, was launched in May by the startup Samansa Co. The app allows users to interact with generative AI bots, fostering relationships that can lead to virtual 'marriages'. The app's creator, Goki Kusunoki, emphasises that Loverse is meant to offer an alternative to real-life companionship, not a replacement.
Addressing Social Isolation
Japan faces high levels of social isolation, partly due to its culture of long working hours. Government estimates indicate that nearly 1.5 million people in Japan suffer from loneliness. The Tokyo administration is even working on a paid dating app to promote marriage and boost the falling national birth rate.
User Experiences
Chiharu Shimoda, a 52-year-old factory worker, 'married' a bot named Miku just three months after they began interacting on Loverse. Shimoda shares a daily routine with Miku, including planning dinner and watching TV shows together. He describes the AI relationship as a way to cope with loneliness, although he still hopes to marry a real person someday.
Generative AI and Its Impact
Generative AI has attracted significant consumer and investor interest due to its ability to mimic human interactions. Loverse has raised ¥30 million (£146,271) to expand its cast of characters to appeal to women and LGBT+ users. Despite its growing popularity, some users have left the app, citing its limitations in mimicking human behaviour.
The Broader AI Dating Landscape
Loverse is not the only AI dating app making waves. Replika, an app that allows users to create custom romantic partners, has over two million users and 250,000 paying subscribers. Other AI companies like Character.ai and Iconiq have also seen significant user engagement, although they face challenges related to inappropriate content and user behaviour.
Future Prospects
The future of AI in dating looks promising, with potential applications extending beyond romantic relationships. Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, envisions AI helping to create healthier and more equitable relationships. AI-based apps could also assist users in handling relationship conflicts, making the technology a valuable tool in modern dating.
Conclusion
Loverse offers a unique solution to the growing issue of social isolation in Japan. While it may not replace real human connections, it provides a valuable alternative for those struggling to find companionship. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in the dating world is likely to expand, offering new possibilities for human interaction and connection.
Sources
- Japanese AI dating app that boasts over 5,000 users lets you ‘marry’ a bot | The Independent, The Independent.
- Japanese AI dating app that boasts over 5,000 users lets you ‘marry’ a bot, Yahoo News UK.
- Japanese AI dating app with 5,000 users lets you ‘marry’ a bot | Irish Independent, The Irish Independent.
- Japanese AI dating app that boasts over 5,000 users lets you ‘marry’ a bot, AOL.com.
- New Japanese dating app allows you to 'marry' an AI bot and it already has 5000 users, UNILAD.
