# The Virtual Lover By Greg Ponesse | Published 2006-08-11 | Naughty Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-virtual-lover References: [random-good-stuff](http://www.random-good-stuff.com/random_good_stuff/2006/08/tamagotchi_for_.html) You know mankind has descended by a level or two when they purchase a digital lover. Technology can never replace the human touch, no matter how much [Nokia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nokia-phones) wants you to believe that. The $38 Virtual Girlfriend/Boyfriend device is a spin from the [Tamagotchi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bitzee) craze, offering you a chance to date 8 different portable companions on-the-go without the worry of diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Each of the 8 virtual characters come with their very one personality, and depending on the way you swing, these will make a refreshing but pointless purchase. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Naughty](https://www.trendhunter.com/naughty) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Companionship:** The rise of digital lovers creates potential for innovation in AI and gamification for personalized experiences. - **Escapism as a Service:** The trend of virtual companionship can be leveraged to create immersive and transformative experiences that provide temporary relief from reality. - **Social Isolation Solutions:** Digital companionship can offer an alternative solution to those who suffer from loneliness and social isolation, but ultimately require a personal human touch. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming and Entertainment:** The use of gamification in virtual romantic relationships can create engaging, immersive experiences for users. - **Technology:** The development of AI-powered digital companions can offer new innovative solutions to traditional personal relationships. - **Healthcare:** Virtual companionship can be used as a solution to combat loneliness and the negative health effects associated with social isolation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Floating Pet Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bitzee.md) - [Personalized Digital Dating Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-spaces-for-singles.md) - [Tactile Digital Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/punirunes-touchable-digital-pet.md) - [AI-Powered Dating Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koi-suru-ai.md) - [Loneliness-Combating AI Teddy Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-friend-chatbot.md) - [Future-Facing Intimacy Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intimacy-technology.md) - [Fictional AI-Powered Condoms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manforce-condoms.md) - [AI-Powered Dating Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-game-game.md) - [Next-Gen AI Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zumi.md)