Apparently there are several narratives in regards to AI girlfriends.
- Incels use AI girlfriends given that they can do whatever they desire.
- Forums observing incel spaces agree that incels should use AI girlfriends to leave real women alone
- The general public having concerns towards AI girlfriends because their users might be negatively impacted by their usage
- Incels perceiving this as a revenge fantasy because “women are jealous that they’re dating AI instead of them”
- Forums observing incel spaces unsure if the views against AI girlfriends exist in the first place due to their previous agreement
I think this is an example of miscommunication and how different groups of people have different opinions depending on what they’ve seen online. Perhaps the incel-observing forums know that many of the incels have passed the point of no return, so AI girlfriends would help them, while the general public perceive the dangers of AI girlfriends based on their impact towards a broader demographic, hence the broad disapproval of AI girlfriends.
You’re right that social relationship dynamics remain as old as we have ever existed as a species, or even beyond. Even marriage on the basis of love was considered taboo not too long ago, and there are still pockets of the world that heavily discourages them. When technology gets into the mix, it adds new discussions. Online friendship’s merits are still facing skepticism and studies on whether they are as legitimate as in-person friendships, for example. AI companionship adds into the existing complexity of human interaction that has entangled with technology.
What you said about incels is interesting. That term is used loosely nowadays. I suppose nowadays many people don’t want to carry that label anymore given its rightful negative connotations yet may still exhibit similar behavior such as resentment and entitlement towards an entire gender. But when I say incel-observing forums, I literally mean that; it’s in their description.