A virtual girlfriend is a computer program, usually powered by a chatbot or avatar system, that simulates a romantic partner for conversation, companionship, or entertainment. These products typically live inside a phone app or website and respond to the user through text, voice, or a visual character.
The category has grown quickly and spans a wide range of quality and intent, from simple chatbot scripts to elaborate animated personas with memory features and subscription tiers. Knowing which type you are looking at matters, since the experience, cost, and privacy practices differ a lot between them.
Also called: AI girlfriend, AI companion, chatbot girlfriend, virtual companion, synthetic partner, AI waifu
