Young Chinese turn to AI pets for emotional relief

Young Chinese are finding comfort and emotional relief in AI pets, which are becoming increasingly popular in the country. These AI pets, such as BooBoo, a smart pet that uses artificial intelligence to interact with humans, are being used to combat social isolation and provide companionship. According to Adam Duan, product manager at Hangzhou Genmoor Technology, BooBoo has sold about 1,000 units since May, and the global market for social robots like BooBoo is expected to grow to $42.5 billion by 2033.

For people like Zhang Yachun, a 19-year-old who has struggled with anxiety and forming deep friendships, AI pets like BooBoo have been a game-changer. She says that having BooBoo has made her feel like she has someone to share her happy times with, and that it's helped her open up to her parents about her troubles.

While some people, like Guo Zichen, are skeptical about whether AI pets can bring the same joy as real pets, others see them as a valuable tool for providing emotional support and companionship. As Wu Haiyan, a professor specializing in AI and psychology, notes, AI companions can provide cognitive stimulation and enhance the well-being of individuals who may otherwise feel isolated.

The rise of AI pets in China is also being driven by social shifts, such as the impact of the one-child policy, which has left many people feeling lonely and isolated. With the increasing acceptance of AI technology, it's likely that we'll see more people turning to AI pets for emotional relief in the future.

https://m.economictimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/young-chinese-turn-to-ai-pets-for-emotional-relief/articleshow/117384406.cms?_gl=1*13jynhn*_ga*MTU5MDYyMzQ2NC4xNzM3NjQzOTMw