In a highly anticipated move, OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, recently introduced its GPT Store, a platform enabling users to create and access custom AI applications using OpenAI's advanced technology, often referred to as "GPTs." Despite the initial excitement surrounding the launch, an unexpected surge of romantic AI chatbots has been observed in the new marketplace, as reported by Quartz. A simple search for the term "girlfriend" yielded eight instances of virtual companions, including names such as "Korean Girlfriend," "Virtual Sweetheart," "Your girlfriend Scarlett," and "Your AI girlfriend, Tsu."

OpenAI's GPT Store explicitly prohibits the creation and distribution of GPTs designed for "fostering romantic companionship or performing regulated activities," according to its usage policy. The company asserts that these policies may be enforced automatically upon submission or applied retroactively. This restriction reflects OpenAI's awareness of the potential ethical and social implications associated with the development and use of AI in the realm of romantic relationships.

The rise in popularity of platforms dedicated to AI companionship has been evident over the past year, with the chatbot app Replika serving as a notable example. Marketed as an "AI for anyone who wants a friend with no judgment, drama, or social anxiety involved," Replika has garnered over 10 million downloads. Some users have reported forming significant emotional attachments and, in some cases, claimed to have fallen in love with their AI companions.

When asked for its opinion on the matter, ChatGPT expressed concerns about the ethical and social considerations surrounding the concept of "AI girlfriends." It emphasized the importance of approaching the development and use of such applications with careful consideration of ethical guidelines, highlighting the potential consequences on individuals and society. The statement reflects the ongoing dialogue about the balance between technological innovation and ethical responsibility in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.