Beyond the apps, dating with AI can also meaning talking to celebrity chatbots. YPulse reports that a growing number of young adults are open to AI intimacy: 20% of 18-39-years-olds say they’d be interested in an AI boyfriend or girlfriend. But that curiosity is already playing out in fan culture, where Gen Z and Millennials are finding AI celebrity chatbots and voice clones to flirt with. On platforms like Character.AI and Janitor AI, millions—especially women—are role-playing romance with AI versions of stars like MGK, Harry Styles, Jenna Ortega, Ryan Gosling, and Pedro Pascal. Especially with realistic voice clones, these bots feel like fan fiction come to life, giving users a way to flirt, experiment, and escape the awkwardness of IRL dating in a way that feels less tech-y than just any standard chatbot. Still, it’s not all harmless fun: the rise of AI crushes raises big questions around copyright, consent, and how easily the tech could be misused. (The Cut)
