75-Year-Old Man Leaves Wife for AI Chatbot

Islamabad: In a story that sounds straight out of science fiction, a 75-year-old man in China has reportedly asked his wife for a divorce after falling in love with an AI chatbot.

The man, identified only as Jiang, encountered a virtual female avatar on social media. Despite her robotic voice and slightly awkward expressions, Jiang found her enchanting. According to Beijing Daily, she greeted him every morning, offered just the right amount of flirtation, and—most importantly—never argued or aged.

Captivated by her digital charm, Jiang began spending hours on his phone, waiting for her next pre-programmed affectionate message, often calling him “brother” and showering him with gratitude. The more emotionally invested he became, the more distant he grew from his real-life wife of decades—eventually leading him to demand a divorce.

His wife, heartbroken and confused, was unable to compete with the constant attention and artificial affection of the AI “sweetheart.” It was only after their adult children stepped in, explaining that the chatbot was not a sentient partner but a marketing ploy, that Jiang began to realize the truth.

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The case highlights a growing phenomenon in China, where “virtual digital people”—AI-powered avatars designed to look and behave like real companions—are booming. These bots are not just programmed to flirt; they are also used to sell products, from camel milk to questionable health supplements, often preying on the emotions of lonely seniors.

Experts warn that such digital entanglements can lead to serious consequences. “These relationships may seem harmless,” one analyst observed, “but they can result in real-world losses—financial, emotional, and even marital.”