Re-reading love in the AI era: can companion bots replace real relationships?
Writing in the journal Dushu (republished by Huxiu), Liu Yiran examines love in the AI era through philosophy of mind and care ethics. Using UBTech's June 2026 Shenzhen launch of an "emotional companion robot" as a peg, the essay argues that AI lacks intentionality, qualia and embodiment — and the vulnerability of being hungry, hurt or mortal — so it cannot truly love or issue what Levinas called an ethical call. The author warns that the "risk-free" companionship AI offers may erode people's tolerance for friction, vulnerability and commitment in real relationships, while still acknowledging auxiliary uses such as giving lonely users someone to talk to.
As AI companions become infinitely customizable products, the essay's ethical framing is a reminder to ask which human capacities are worth deliberately preserving.