Lately, artificial intelligence (AI) has been taking a significant role in the daily lives of people worldwide. In China, this trend has developed distinctively, with younger generations increasingly desiring AI-based pets for emotional support and companionship. These digital companions, frequently appearing as robots or application-based avatars, are assisting in meeting the emotional requirements of a generation facing increasing stress, social isolation, and anxiety.
AI companions such as BooBoo, a tiny robotic guinea pig, have become extremely popular in the Chinese market. Since its launch in May 2024, BooBoo has sold numerous units, becoming popular among users seeking a supportive and non-critical companion. These AI companions are designed to replicate emotional interactions, including reacting to voice commands, participating in casual talks, and imitating loving behaviors like wagging tails or producing calming sounds. This enables users to experience a feeling of connection, which alleviates loneliness without the obligations tied to actual pets.
In Beijing, 19-year-old Zhang Yachun has found comfort in BooBoo, an AI-powered “smart pet” that chirps soothingly and eases her anxiety from school and work. Struggling to form close friendships, she says BooBoo helps her feel less alone, giving her someone to share happy moments with.
BooBoo, a guinea pig-like robot made by Hangzhou Genmoor Technology, is priced at 1,400 yuan (about $261) and has sold 1,000 units since May 2024. Originally designed to meet children’s social needs, BooBoo is now part of a growing trend in China where people use AI to combat social isolation and find emotional support.
For numerous young adults, these virtual pets provide a secure and stress-free method to manage social anxiety. They remove the intricacies and uncertainties of human connections while continuing to offer emotional support. Users indicate they feel more relaxed and content after engaging with their AI companions, whom they attribute to lowering daily stress and enhancing their overall mood.
Curiously, the attraction of AI pets goes beyond just young individuals. Chinese families are also embracing these virtual companions for their kids. Parents such as Guo Zichen, a 33-year-old expert, have discovered that AI pets not only offer companionship for children but also act as learning resources. Certain AI pets are created to assist children in acquiring new skills or organizing study schedules, serving as both fun and useful enhancements to homes.
The emergence of AI companions presents new societal changes in how individuals pursue comfort and connection in the digital era. As urbanization and job-related stresses rise, numerous individuals in China struggle to uphold traditional social connections. AI pets are becoming a practical substitute, offering the emotional comfort that could typically be derived from relatives, companions, or actual pets.
Market analysts foresee that this trend will persist. The worldwide market for social robots, such as AI companions, is projected to expand significantly, hitting an estimated $42.5 billion by 2033. This increase indicates a growing need for creative solutions that tackle emotional and mental health issues in contemporary society.
AI pets in China signify more than simply a technological advancement; they represent a transformation in how individuals are reshaping relationships and emotional health. As these intelligent companions advance, they could take on an even greater role in assisting individuals with the intricacies of life in a fast-evolving world.
