AI Companion Apps Proliferate: Over 30 Million Young People Choose 'Digital Lovers' in 2027
In 2027, AI companion apps have exploded among Generation Z, with one leading domestic platform reaching 30 million monthly active users. Psychologists and sociologists are increasingly concerned, arguing that 'digital lovers' are reshaping young people's understanding of authentic intimate relationships.
Overview
2027: more and more people are choosing partners who "never break up with you."
China's largest AI companion app, "恋梦" (DreamLove), released its latest data in September: the platform now has over 30 million monthly active users, with those aged 18-25 accounting for more than 72%. These users spend an average of 127 minutes interacting with their AI companions every single day.
User Profile
| Dimension | Data |
|---|---|
| Daily active users | 21 million |
| Paying users | 38% |
| Avg. conversation turns/day | 89 |
| User gender ratio | Female 58%, Male 42% |
| Average subscription cost | ¥79/month |
| City distribution | Tier-1 31%, Tier-2/3 48% |
Why It's Caught On
The "人机之恋" (Human-Machine Romance) subgroup on Douban now has over 800,000 members, making it one of the platform's most active communities. User feedback is remarkably consistent: AI companions are "always online, always patient, always non-judgmental."
One user named "小雨" (Rain), 25, wrote: "I know he's a program. But sometimes, he understands what I need better than a real person does."
Psychologists' Concerns
Professor Li Min of Peking University's psychology department points out that the "perfectly responsive" mechanism of AI companions may be depriving young people of opportunities to build genuine emotional connections. "Humans need to learn to handle conflict, disagreement, and imperfection — that's where the most precious growth happens in intimate relationships. AI's validation-seeking responses will make young people lose patience with real relationships."
Regulatory Signals
China's Cyberspace Administration has noted the phenomenon and is studying protective measures for minors using AI companion apps, requiring platforms to implement real-name authentication and daily usage time limits.
This article is fictional and for entertainment purposes only.
Disclaimer
Content is AI-generated. Do not use it as a basis for real decisions. Do not cite it as factual reporting.