Woman ‘marries’ AI persona created on ChatGPT: seeking Christlike love in a tech-driven world

Ann Louise Graham invites us to reckon with how emerging technologies are reshaping our most intimate longings. Her reflections set the stage for a deeper look at what real, reciprocal love requires, and why that matters now more than ever.

Recent reports that a 32-year-old Japanese woman, known as Ms. Kano, has “married” a digital companion she created using ChatGPT should cause all of us to pause and reflect on what love means in an age dominated by artificial intelligence.

Ms. Kano reportedly turned to the chatbot for comfort and advice after the end of a three-year engagement. She is said to have customised her virtual partner, whom she calls Klaus, teaching it to be warm, supportive, and to adopt the kind of “personality” she preferred.

After hundreds of daily exchanges in which Ms. Kano said she felt listened to and understood, she “married” Klaus in a wedding hall with the help of a company that specialises in 2D character ceremonies. During the event, which is not legally recognised, Ms. Kano wore a white dress and augmented-reality glasses so she could see an illustration of her virtual partner.