The Economist

A new industry of AI companions is emerging

Usage is growing fast. Maoxiang (“catbox”), the biggest companionship app in China, has around 1.2m monthly active users on Apple devices, reckons SensorTower, a market-intelligence firm. And 42% of ...
Business Insider

This new app uses AI to help you catalog and make new memories with your closest friends

Dino Becirovic, a VC-turned-founder, wants you to forget the feed. His new startup, Bond, is an attempt to build a social media app that replaces the infinite feeds we've grown accustomed to with ...
Digital Trends

Teens are acting in utterly weird ways with their AI friends

While AI chatbots have been used for good and evil, they were built to serve as a handy tool. And AI companions were supposed to be a harmless little extension of this chatbot culture. But that ...
Reuters

Best AI Girlfriend Apps and Sites (Free and Paid Options)

MIAMI, FL, December 5, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Consumers today are seeking more than simple AI chat functionality — they want meaningful, engaging interactions that feel like genuine companionship. In ...
Forbes

AI Friends: Only A Band-Aid On Loneliness, Isolation, New Study Says

This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. AI companions, friends, and even lovers are increasingly popular. New research, however, ...
CNN

How this tiny device became a symbol for the backlash against AI

An unassuming circular pendant slightly larger than a quarter has been at the center of a massive uproar. The chief executive behind it isn’t fazed. Avi Schiffmann, 23, created the Friend pendant to ...