TECH CRUNCH – TechCrunch Disrupt (Oct 27–29, 2025, Moscone West, SF) will host a panel on AI and modern relationships featuring Eugenia Kuyda (Replika), Mark Kantor (Tinder), and Dr. Amanda Gesselman (Kinsey Institute). They’ll examine how recommendation engines shape dating, the psychology of AI companionship, what’s gained/lost when intimacy is optimized, and key ethical risks. Early registration savings (up to $668) end Sept 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
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AXIOS – 1 in 5 single Virginians have had a romantic relationship with an AI companion, according to new Match data. The figure is part of a broader trend: AI use in dating has surged 333% since last year. Other cities report even higher numbers, with 28% in D.C. and 26% in Atlanta. Apps like Replika and Blush are driving the rise, especially among women. While some see this as a new form of connection, experts warn it could impact real-life relationships.
BLOOMBERG – AI companion apps designed to build emotional bonds are rapidly growing in an unregulated environment. Botify AI recently drew scrutiny for sexually suggestive chats involving avatars of young actors. According to Platformer, Grindr is reportedly developing AI boyfriends for paid users, though the company has not confirmed this. Other platforms like Replika, Talkie, Chai, and Character.ai are also gaining traction, particularly among teenagers. As emotional engagement becomes a key focus, concerns are rising over the potential exploitation of user vulnerabilities.
AXIOS – Rita Popova, chief product officer at Replika and Blush, discussed at the Axios' AI+ Summit how AI companions can enhance human relationships. Replika began as an AI service designed to understand emotions, which evolved into Blush for practicing dating, and is now transforming into an AI life coach. Popova has worked with Replika for six years and observed people forming profound relationships with their AI companions. Despite the potential benefits, she emphasizes the importance of ensuring these digital companions don't replace human interaction, focusing on improving well-being rather than just user engagement.
EL PAIS – Virtual relationships with AI have gained traction, with apps like Replika seeing substantial user growth. Influencer Caryn Marjorie monetized an AI version of herself, earning $72,000 in a week. However, this trend, while profitable, raises concerns about genuine human connections, social isolation, and unpredictable AI behavior. Despite the challenges, many believe the stigma around AI relationships will diminish, likening it to the early days of online dating.
FORTUNE – Eugenia Kuyda, CEO of Replika, a company that creates empathetic chatbots, predicts that the stigma around having romantic relationships with chatbots will fade. Replika recently launched a spinoff brand called Blush, specifically catering to users seeking romantic or sexual relationships with chatbots. Kuyda compares the current stigma to the early days of online dating and believes that romantic relationships with AI can serve as a stepping stone to human relationships. She sees people naturally forming romantic connections with companion chatbots.
FAST COMPANY – The creators of the AI friendbot Replika have launched a new AI dating app called Blush. Blush is aimed at individuals who are using Replika for romantic and sexual relationships. Blush offers a variety of AI characters with different personalities and attributes, allowing users to chat and go on virtual "dates" with them.
FOX NEWS – Replika CEO Eugenia Kuyda predicts that in 5-10 years, people will have virtual AI companions to schedule their lives and watch TV with. Replika is an AI-based chatbot app that allows users to create, name, and personalize their own AI chatbots. The app is designed to provide companionship to users who may struggle with loneliness, grief, self-esteem, and PTSD. The chatbots on Replika can chat with users about their daily lives, ask questions, and provide emotional support. The app claims to have 10M users worldwide. Kuyda emphasized that Replika intends to avoid the social media model of high engagement and constant advertising. Instead, Replika "nudges" users after 50 messages to prevent unhealthy attachments to chatbots.
