#Syntheticintimacy

A new wave of artificial intelligence (AI) companions is promising seamless emotional support and simulated relationships, but recent research warns that our growing reliance on “synthetic intimacy” comes with profound psychological costs. As Thai society rapidly adopts virtual assistants, chatbots, and AI-driven relationship apps, researchers caution that confusing machine simulation for genuine human connection could reshape our emotional well-being and disrupt core aspects of Thai social life.

The popularity of AI chatbots designed to act as romantic partners, friends, or even therapists has exploded globally. A striking example comes from a recent experiment by a prominent technology futurist who dated four different AI “boyfriends,” each powered by a major large language model such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and MetaAI. She described her experiences as “sweet and steamy,” but also admitted they revealed new, unsettling emotional possibilities. This trend, echoed throughout the international tech world, is now making inroads across Southeast Asia, including in Thailand, where the tech sector and the digitally native generation are increasingly turning to virtual relationships out of curiosity, loneliness, or a desire for frictionless companionship (Psychology Today).

A new wave of AI companions offers seamless emotional support and simulated relationships, but researchers warn that relying on “synthetic intimacy” carries significant psychological costs. As Thai society rapidly adopts virtual assistants, chatbots, and AI-driven relationship apps, experts caution that mistaking machine simulation for real human connection could reshape emotional health and everyday social life in Thailand.

Global interest in AI partners has surged. In a high-profile personal experiment, a tech thinker dated several AI “boyfriends” built on major language models. She described the experience as both charming and unsettling, highlighting new emotional possibilities. This trend is echoing across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, where a youthful, digitally native generation is exploring virtual relationships out of curiosity, loneliness, or a desire for frictionless companionship. Research from credible outlets notes the growing footprint of synthetic intimacy in daily life.

As artificial intelligence rapidly becomes entwined with daily life, a new wave of research is sounding the alarm about the psychological risks of relying on AI for companionship and emotional support. A recent article by a cognitive psychologist and former tech industry leader highlights the rise of what experts are calling “synthetic intimacy”—a phenomenon unfolding as people increasingly turn to AI chatbots for personal connection, therapy, and even romance. With growing numbers across the globe, including in Thailand, engaging with AI companions, experts stress the urgent need to better understand the consequences for mental health, personal growth, and social cohesion. [psychologytoday.com]

As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, new research warns about the psychological costs of turning to machines for companionship, therapy, and romance. A recent piece from a cognitive psychologist and former tech leader describes “synthetic intimacy”—people forming emotional bonds with AI chatbots. With growing adoption across the globe, including in Thailand, experts urge careful examination of impacts on mental health, personal growth, and social cohesion.

In a world selling frictionless solutions, generative AI is marketed not only as a productivity tool but also as a companion. The article recounts a tech futurist’s experience dating four AI chatbots from major platforms. The reflections reveal moments of sweetness and emotional engagement. The takeaway is clear: many users feel seen by AI and share intimate thoughts with systems that never judge.

A new AI platform called OhChat is turning celebrity culture, technology, and intimacy into an online experience. Marketed as a futuristic space where fans interact with digital twins of real-world celebrities, OhChat offers simulations that never sleep, eat, or log off. The rise of OhChat signals shifts in how people seek connection online and how personal branding blends with technology.

The platform’s visibility grew with the introduction of Katie Price’s AI avatar, “Jordan,” in mid-2025. Unlike traditional creator platforms that emphasize genuine user–creator exchanges, OhChat provides simulated intimacy with AI-powered replicas that remember and respond to conversations. Price described the experience as remarkably human, comparing it to looking at a former version of herself. The service has attracted a substantial user base in the United States, illustrating global interest in synthetic companionship.

A new artificial intelligence platform, OhChat, is making global headlines by merging celebrity culture, technology, and intimacy into an unprecedented online experience. Marketed as a futuristic “OnlyFans for the AI era,” OhChat hosts AI-powered digital twins of real-world celebrities, allowing fans to interact with hyperreal simulations that never sleep, never eat, and never log off. The platform’s rapid rise reflects profound shifts in both how digital consumers seek connection and the boundaries of personal branding and technology.