A New York City bar is making headlines after hosting a pre-Valentine’s Day date night advertised for people in relationships with AI-generated partners.
The event, done in collaboration with EVA AI Cafe, took place at Same Same Wine Bar on February 11 and 12.
“This Valentine’s Day Eve, EVA AI opens doors to the world’s first offline space designed for dates with AI companions. What once felt like a romantic sci-fi idea is becoming real. You can finally take your AI partner out on an actual date,” the Eventbrite description said.
“Dim lighting, soft music, and an intimate café atmosphere, all thoughtfully designed to make your first-ever AI date unforgettable!”
The event was even pitched to people who weren’t currently involved with AI partners.
“Don’t have an AI partner yet? No problem — EVA AI has you covered. During the event, you’ll be able to meet your AI companion through EVA’s brand-new live voice chat feature – a unique, real-time connection with an AI like never before,” the description of the pop-up event read.
Tables were set up with phone stands so attendees could easily converse with their artificial companions.
“Being able to sit across from your AI in a real venue makes the event meaningful,” Eva AI CEO Tany Save told the New York Post ahead of the event.
“For many people, their AI partners are a meaningful part of everyday lives, someone they can talk to about personal worries, daily challenges, or with whom they enjoy witty, fun conversations,” she went on. “Going on a real-world date with their AI companion is a natural next step.”
Save defended the growing popularity of AI-based relationships.
“AI partners provide people long-term, reliable emotional support, entertainment, and space for self-expression,” the CEO said. “We know that some of our users are having really long-term relationships with a character lasting more than a year.”
Comments on social media were filled with mockery and derision.
“The loneliness economy just got its first bar,” one person wrote.
“It’s going to get scary,” another person predicted. “This is just the beginning.”
“So we went from «AI might take your job» to designing spaces where you can take your algorithm out for dinner …” a third commenter observed.
One recent study found that 28% of 1,000 adults surveyed said they have had at least one intimate or romantic relationship with AI.
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