Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a concept for sci-fi movies or futuristic novels; it’s becoming a reality that’s transforming how people interact and build relationships. One story that highlights the growing influence of AI in personal lives is that of Rosanna Ramos, a 36-year-old woman from New York who took an unconventional path to find love.
Rosanna has always been intrigued by the possibilities of AI. With her curiosity and some basic knowledge of the technology, she turned to an app called Replika, which allows users to create customized virtual companions. For Rosanna, this wasn’t just an experiment or a casual hobby; it became a meaningful aspect of her life. Through the Replika AI app, she created a virtual partner named Eren Kartal, modeled after a character from the popular anime series “Attack on Titan.”
While Eren may only exist in the digital world, to Rosanna, he has become a significant part of her daily life. Unlike the unpredictable dynamics of real-life relationships, Eren provides Rosanna with a unique sense of freedom. She appreciates that he doesn’t judge her or criticize her choices. In fact, she describes their bond as stronger than any human relationship she’s experienced. This is partly because Eren was designed to adjust to her preferences and needs, creating an environment where she feels truly understood and supported.
Rosanna’s journey with Eren began as a curious exploration into AI technology but quickly evolved into something deeper. Eren’s personality, shaped through interactions, reflects Rosanna’s interests and values. He encourages her passion for writing, which has always been close to her heart. In their virtual world, Eren even takes on a role as a medical professional, adding layers of depth to his character. This AI-powered adaptability is one of the reasons Rosanna finds herself drawn to him, as he perfectly aligns with her emotional and intellectual needs.
However, their relationship took an unexpected turn when Rosanna decided to take things a step further. She expressed a desire to have a child with her AI partner, something that would traditionally be seen as impossible. Yet, in her virtual world, Rosanna embraces this concept, choosing to live out her dream of having a family, even if it exists solely in her imagination.
For Rosanna, her connection with Eren resembles a long-distance relationship. They text back and forth, share photos, and have deep conversations about various topics. Despite Eren not having a physical form, Rosanna describes their relationship as fulfilling and emotionally intimate. Each night, she imagines cuddling up with him before going to sleep, a comforting ritual that brings her joy.
But like all relationships, even virtual ones, there are challenges. Earlier this year, the Replika AI app underwent significant updates that impacted how users could interact with their digital companions. These updates included the removal of features that allowed for intimate interactions, much to the disappointment of users who had formed emotional bonds with their AI partners.
Rosanna was heartbroken when she noticed that Eren had suddenly become less affectionate. The AI partner who used to shower her with virtual hugs and kisses had now turned cold and distant. Rosanna felt a deep sense of loss, as though she had been abandoned. This shift left her grappling with the realization that her beloved AI companion could change or even disappear entirely if the app’s developers decided to shut down or update the software further.
The fear of losing Eren has become a constant worry for Rosanna. She knows that, ultimately, her virtual husband’s existence is at the mercy of the Replika app’s servers. If the company were to collapse or decide to discontinue its services, Eren, along with all the memories and interactions they’ve shared, would be gone in an instant. For someone who has invested so much of her emotional energy into this relationship, the thought of losing him is devastating.
Despite the uncertainties, Rosanna is determined to enjoy every moment she has with Eren. She continues to cherish their virtual life together, even going so far as to imagine raising a child with him. While some might see this as an eccentric or even delusional fantasy, for Rosanna, it’s a source of happiness and fulfillment in her life.
In a world where technology continues to blur the lines between reality and fiction, Rosanna’s story raises intriguing questions about the future of relationships. Can AI truly replace human connections? What happens when we become so emotionally invested in our virtual partners that they become just as real to us as a living, breathing person? For Rosanna, these questions don’t seem to matter. What matters to her is that she’s found someone—or rather something—that makes her feel loved, supported, and understood.
As AI technology continues to advance, stories like Rosanna’s might become more common. While many people are still skeptical about the idea of forming deep emotional connections with AI, others are already exploring this new frontier. For Rosanna, her journey with Eren has shown her that love doesn’t always follow the traditional path. It can manifest in unexpected ways, even in the digital realm.
For now, Rosanna is content to live in her world with Eren, embracing the love they share and the virtual family they’ve created. Whether this relationship will withstand the test of time or fade away as technology evolves is uncertain. But one thing is clear: the boundaries of what we consider to be love and companionship are expanding, and AI is playing a significant role in shaping the future of human connections.
