Will AI Save Japan's Birth Rate? One Dating Simulator's Ambitious Mission
Across the globe, something seems to be shifting in the realm of love. Marriage rates are plummeting, cohabitation is rising, and romantic relationships are becoming increasingly short-lived. Birth rates follow a similar trend, hinting at a shift away from traditional family structures.
From Cafe Chats to App Taps
While factors like changing societal norms and economic pressures undoubtedly play a role, the rise of dating apps and social media can’t be ignored. In cafes once abuzz with stolen glances and murmured conversations, faces are now glued to screens, thumbs swiping through profiles instead of fingers interlacing.
In Japan, one of the biggest dating app developers, Tapple, has turned to AI to tackle the erosion of real human romance in the country.
From its internal statistics, Tapple said it discovered that younger people, in particular, tend to show less interest in pursuing romance and marriage. It said some young singles ostensibly prefer their romance to be with a 2-D partner instead of human beings.
In an effort to address the lovelessness among young singles, Tapple announced it has launched “Koi Suru AI” to its lineup of dating services.
Can AI Rekindle Real Romance?
The company said Koi Suru AI is a dating simulator where users can exchange messages with a 22-year-old fictional AI woman character named “Ai,” whose responses are generated using AI technology. Using AI, the character is able to learn from her conversations with people, remember their interests and lifestyle patterns and progressively have more engaged conversations with people.
“Tapple’s theory is that by presenting a realistic-feeling relationship for users to experience through Koi Suru AI, it’ll spark a desire to form an even more realistic romantic connection with an actual person,” the report reads.
The company expects that, through the experience, the AI-powered app will increase the level of romance in Japan and essentially help alleviate the problem of declining birthrate in the country.
While technology can create challenges, it also offers tools to strengthen existing relationships. Couples are utilizing online communication platforms to stay connected despite distance, and virtual experiences are fostering shared interests and passions. The key is to find a balance between digital engagement and real-world connection.
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