我的男友是虚拟的，但他很快就会变成现实｜深氪

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of virtual relationships through AI and gaming, particularly focusing on the impact of the game "恋与深空" (Love and Deep Space) on female players, highlighting how technology has transformed emotional connections and consumer behavior in the gaming industry [16][21][128]. Group 1: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The Chinese mobile game "恋与深空" generated approximately 5.87 billion RMB in total revenue in 2024, ranking seventh in the Chinese mobile game market [17]. - The female-oriented gaming market in China is projected to reach 8 billion RMB in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 124.1%, significantly outpacing the overall market growth [19]. - The condom industry in China is expected to decline by 17% in 2024, while the adult products market is projected to grow by 8%, indicating shifting consumer preferences [20]. Group 2: Emotional Engagement and Technology - The advancement of technology has made virtual characters in games more realistic and engaging, allowing players to form deeper emotional connections [15][50]. - AI technology enables characters in "恋与深空" to call players by their names, enhancing the immersive experience and driving player engagement [57][60]. - The game's 4.0 version led to a 33% increase in revenue, demonstrating the financial impact of technological enhancements on player experience [60]. Group 3: Psychological Aspects of Gaming - Players often experience a sense of emotional fulfillment from virtual relationships, which can lead to increased spending on in-game purchases [88][92]. - The concept of "emotional labor" is evident as players invest significant time and money into their virtual relationships, often feeling a sense of obligation to maintain these connections [99][100]. - The article highlights the paradox of loneliness, where players may not initially seek out gaming for companionship but find their emotional needs amplified through these virtual interactions [26][32]. Group 4: Societal Implications - The article suggests that the rise of virtual relationships may reflect broader societal trends of loneliness, particularly among women, as traditional relationship structures evolve [16][24]. - The decline in marriage rates in China, with a 20.5% drop in 2024, indicates changing social dynamics and the potential for virtual relationships to fill emotional voids [31]. - The blending of virtual and real-life experiences raises questions about the future of human relationships and the role of technology in shaping emotional connections [128][132].