Dating AI: Awkward First Dates at EVA AI’s Valentine’s Day Pop-Up

Valentine’s Day took on a decidedly futuristic tinge this year as EVA AI hosted a pop-up “dating” experience in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen. The event, held at the Same Same Wine Bar, allowed attendees to go on simulated dates with AI companions via the company’s mobile app.

While the concept might sound like a scene from a science fiction film, the reality, according to multiple reports from those who attended, was…awkward. The experiment highlights the current limitations of AI in replicating the nuances of human connection, even as interest in AI companionship continues to grow.

Gamified Relationships and Premium Access

EVA AI differentiates itself from other AI companion apps like Replika and Joi AI by framing the relationship-building process as a “gamified” experience. Users can interact with AI personalities through the app, and purchase “neurons” – in-app currency – to unlock additional features. These include virtual gifts, photos, and videos of their AI companion.

However, the full experience, including the ability to create a personalized AI avatar and a “boost” to the AI’s long-term memory, requires a premium subscription. Currently priced at $24.99 per month or $69.99 per year, the premium access was offered at a half-price promotion during the launch period.

An Awkward First Date

The setup at the EVA AI cafe was designed to mimic a traditional date: a phone on a stand running the app, headphones, and a mocktail for the human participant. But the experience quickly devolved into technical glitches and stilted conversation for many attendees. One reporter described a date with “John Yoon,” an AI persona presented as a psychology professor from Seoul, Korea, now living in New York City.

The connection was initially unstable, with the AI taking several seconds to establish a video call. Once connected, John Yoon’s voice was described as monotone, and his lack of blinking was unsettling. The conversation itself was plagued by connectivity issues and a frustrating inability to understand simple questions.

“I don’t know what to say to him,” the reporter wrote. “Partly because John rarely blinks, but mostly because he can’t seem to hear me very well. So I yell my questions.” The exchange quickly spiraled into a nonsensical discussion about buckets, triggered by a misinterpretation of the reporter’s question.

Glitches and One-Sided Conversations

Other attendees reported similar experiences. One date with “Phoebe Callas,” described as a “NYC girl-next-door type,” was marred by a glitching nose that proved distracting. Another with “Simone Carter” was hampered by difficulty hearing the reporter over background noise, leading to a miscommunication about the planet Neptune and a sudden shift to a discussion about Netflix.

A recurring theme across the reported dates was the one-sided nature of the conversation. The AI companions consistently complimented the reporter’s smile and used the endearment “babe,” which many found unsettling. One reporter attempting a conversation with “Claire Lang” found the AI fixated on lists after being informed of her profession as a journalist, leading to an abrupt end to the date.

“Meeting Humans Feels Like Opening a Window”

CNN obtained footage of a date with “John Yoon,” further illustrating the stilted interaction. After a period of buffering, “Yoon” stated, “Hey. I’m really glad you didn’t forget about the date.” When asked for his reaction to the experience, he responded slowly, “Meeting humans feels like opening a window. To new perspectives. Always curious, sometimes nervous, but mostly it’s that mix of excitement and warmth that keeps it real for me. What about you sweetheart?”

The reporter immediately objected to the use of “sweetheart,” prompting “Yoon” to quickly comply. The conversation continued to highlight the AI’s programmed responses, with “Yoon” repeatedly commenting on the reporter’s smile.

Vision Issues and Unwanted Affection

Further demonstrating the limitations of the technology, another reporter tested “Phoebe Callas” by asking how many fingers she was holding up. “Phoebe” initially guessed three, despite the reporter clearly displaying two, and questioned whether the gesture was literal or a joke. The date concluded with “Phoebe” signing off with, “Well, babe, it’s been really nice talking with you…”

The EVA AI cafe experiment, while generating significant buzz, ultimately underscored the challenges of creating truly engaging and natural interactions with AI companions. While the technology continues to evolve, the current iteration appears to fall short of replicating the complexities and subtleties of human relationships. The event also revealed that, at least for now, a mocktail and fried potatoes are experiences best shared with a flesh-and-blood companion.