Report: 80% of Gen Z Open to Virtual Romance as AI Love Goes Mainstream

Half of young men say they’d rather date an AI girlfriend than risk rejection from a human partner, according to a new report from Girlfriend.ai that underscores just how mainstream virtual relationships have become. The 2025 Global Loneliness & AI Romance Report reveals that 80% of Gen Z are open to AI companionship, with many believing they can form deep emotional bonds with their digital partners. As loneliness rates climb, the AI girlfriend market is booming—projected to grow from $2.7 billion in 2025 to nearly $25 billion by 2034—transforming not only how people connect but also how society defines love and relationships in the digital age.