A 75-year-old man in China reportedly requested his spouse of a number of many years for a divorce after changing into infatuated with an AI-generated on-line avatar.
In accordance with Beijing Day by day, the pensioner, recognized solely as Jiang, found the digital character whereas looking social media. To the educated eye, the woman’s synthetic nature was apparent: her lips moved out of sync along with her voice, and her conversations had been generic. But to Jiang, who was unfamiliar with such expertise, she gave the impression to be a wonderful younger girl genuinely taken with him.
ALSO READ: Meet Raymond Archer, the EOCO boss behind the detention of ‘dancehall king’ Shatta Wale
Over time, Jiang grew obsessed. His days started to revolve round ready for the avatar’s messages, which turned the spotlight of his routine. When his spouse confronted him about spending an excessive amount of time on his cellphone, he shocked her by saying he needed a divorce in order that he might dedicate himself absolutely to his on-line “girlfriend.”
ALSO READ: Hidden Pressures Social Media Puts on Modern Relationships
Happily, Jiang’s kids intervened. They defined how AI-generated avatars labored and satisfied him that his digital love curiosity didn’t exist. He ultimately accepted the reality — however his story highlights a rising difficulty in China, the place aged folks, particularly those that are lonely or have mobility issues, are more and more falling sufferer to hyper-realistic AI content material.
Digital avatars in China are available many types — from professional-looking “consultants” and information anchors to schoolgirls designed to look cute and approachable. Whereas some are used merely to advertise merchandise, others are deployed for propaganda or to foster unhealthy emotional dependence.
Consultants warn that whereas AI expertise can have clear advantages, it can be harmful when used to take advantage of susceptible teams. Households are being urged to watch the web exercise of aged kinfolk intently, significantly those that spend lengthy hours on their telephones or social media.
