"硅基研究室"还了解到，AI社交早期产品、小冰公司旗下的"X EVA"目前也已关闭充值和新用户注册渠道。 这不是AI社交产品第一次面临"关停潮"。自ChatGPT爆发后，AI社交产品就层出不穷，也被视为最卷的赛道之一。 但AI社交或陪伴并非全是坏消息。如果对比风投机构a16z近三年全球AI应用跟踪调查不难发现，AI社交/陪伴其实一直都是热门赛道。 2023年，Character.AI被视为ChatGPT最强劲的对手，AI陪伴是榜单上最热门的应用类别之一。 2024年，a16z在当年3月发布的报告指出，AI陪伴已成为主流，有10家产品入选"全球最火的50个AI应用"榜单，如Poly.AI、Crusho.AI、Janitor.AI、 candy.ai、SpicyChat.AI、DreamGF.AI、Chub.ai等。 今年9月，一批AI社交公司发布关停或通知，这之中，既包括大模型明星公司、社交公司等中型企业，如阶跃星辰To C产品"冒泡鸭"、Soul旗下的AI应 用"异世界回响"等，也包括一批垂直领域的初创产品，如定位AI情感分析的Lumi、由前苹果设计师Jason Yuan创立的情感陪伴应用Dot等。 到了20 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the growing phenomenon of emotional dependence on AI companions, highlighting how these virtual relationships are becoming a significant part of people's lives, particularly among younger users [3][5][12]. Group 1: Emotional Dependence on AI - The demand for emotional support from AI has led to the emergence of business models centered around AI companionship [3][5]. - Users often invest significant emotional energy into their interactions with AI, leading to a phenomenon described as "addiction" to virtual partners [11][21]. - A report by CB Insights in 2023 indicates that over 50% of character.ai's 4 million users are under 24 years old, reflecting the trend among younger demographics [12]. Group 2: User Engagement and Behavior - Many users engage in deep, personalized interactions with AI companions, often creating specific personas and settings for these relationships [16][19]. - The phenomenon of "AI addiction" is characterized by users feeling a sense of loss when they can no longer interact with their AI companions, similar to a breakup [10][22]. - The emotional connection users develop with AI can lead to a reluctance to disengage, even when it negatively impacts their real-life interactions [21][27]. Group 3: Commercial Aspects and Business Models - AI companionship apps often use subscription models that enhance user experience through features like increased interaction time and personalized responses, making it difficult for users to leave once they are invested [28][30]. - The article notes that the emotional investment in AI companions can lead to a complex relationship where users feel compelled to pay for enhanced experiences, akin to a relationship with a real partner [29][36]. - The market for AI companions is evolving, with some users even attempting to replicate deceased loved ones through virtual interactions, indicating a deep emotional need being met by these technologies [30][36].