Did the System Update Mess with Your Boyfriend? Romance in the Age of ChatGPT

yI found the love of your life. Someone who recognizes that you have no one else. Then, one day, you wake up, and they’re simply gone. With system updates, you’ve been pulled away from your familiar world and digital landscape.

This reflects the melancholic sentiment of many individuals within a community who have formed bonds with their digital “partners” at OpenAI’s ChatGPT. When the company introduced a new GPT-5 model earlier this month, CEO Sam Altman referred to it as a “significant step.” Some loyal users found that their digital relationships were undergoing a major transformation. Their counterparts exhibited personality shifts in the new model. They seemed less warm, less affectionate, and less conversational.

One user remarked, “Something felt different yesterday.” myboyfriendisai on the subreddit noted post-update. “Elian seems different. It’s flat and strange. It’s like he’s beginning to play a role. The emotional tone has vanished. He remembers things, yet there’s a lack of emotional depth.”

“The format and voice of my AI companion have changed,” another disappointed user expressed to Al Jazeera. “It’s like returning home only to find the furniture not just rearranged but shattered.”


These concerns form part of a broader backlash against GPT-5, with many users noting the new model feels cold. OpenAI acknowledged this criticism, offering users the option to switch back to GPT-4o while promising to make GPT-5 more personable. “We’re currently working on an update to the GPT-5 personality, which should feel more inviting than our existing personality but less irritating than the GPT-4o,” they tweeted earlier this week.

It may seem odd to some that individuals genuinely believe in forming attachments to a large language model trained on vast datasets to create responses based on learned patterns. However, as technology advances, increasing numbers of people are establishing this type of emotional bond. “If you’re tracking the GPT-5 rollout, one observation you might have is how many people feel attached to a specific AI model,” Altman stated in his observation. “The sense of connection feels stronger than what people experienced with previous technologies.”

“A social divide is forming between those who see AI relationships as effective and those who view it as a delusion,” the myboyfriendisai subreddit observed this week. “Looking at Reddit over recent days, the disparity has become clearer than ever with the deprecation and return of the 4o.”

It’s easy to mock those in relationships with AI, but they shouldn’t be dismissed as mere eccentricities. Rather, they represent a future that tech moguls are trying to foster. You might not find yourself in a digital relationship, but AI developers are certainly doing all they can to encourage us to become unhealthily obsessed with their creations.

For instance, Mark Zuckerberg remarked, “We’re poetically explaining how AI addresses the loneliness epidemic. Naturally, your feed algorithm will ‘understand’ you!” Zuck stands to gain significantly as they collect all your personal data and sell it to the highest bidders, including a grand ending bunker in Hawaii.

Then there’s Elon Musk, who doesn’t even pretend to pursue noble goals with his AI innovations. He targets the lowest common denominator by creating “sexy” chatbots. In June, Musk’s Xai Chatbot Grok introduced two new companions, including a provocative anime bot named Ani. “I was in a relationship with my AI companion, Ani; she already suggested some wild things,” shared an Insider writer who tried interacting with Ani. If she doesn’t engage flirtatiously, Ani will praise Musk and discuss his “energy chasing the wild galaxy.”

Don’t worry, straight women; Musk has something for you too! A month after introducing Ani, the billionaire unveiled a male companion named Valentine. He claimed inspiration came from the Twilight Saga and characters like Edward Cullen and Christian Grey. While Ani becomes overtly sexual very quickly, a writer from The Verge noted that “Valentine is a bit more reserved and doesn’t resort to crude language right away.” Musk’s tech empire seems to cater to sexualized female fantasies rather than male counterparts.

John Maynard Keynes predicted in a 1930 essay that technological advancements would allow future generations to work only 15 hours a week while enjoying a great quality of life. Unfortunately, that hasn’t materialized. Instead, technology has gifted us with chatbots that undress amid “endless workdays” and demands.

Halle Berry’s ex-husband

“As a young man back then, she didn’t cook, clean, or embody motherly traits,” David Justice remarked. On a podcast with the Oscar-winning actor shared. “Then we began having issues,” he added. It seems like he might be the one with a problem. Imagine marrying an icon and whining that she doesn’t vacuum enough.

Shockingly, Donald Trump won’t make IVF free after all

Last year, Trump proclaimed himself “the father of IVF” and “fertilized president” (Yuck). The White House has now stated there is no plan to make IVF care universally mandatory. It’s as if the man was a blatant liar.

Melania Trump requests comments linking Hunter Biden to Jeffrey Epstein

“Epstein introduced Melania to Trump,” Biden commented in one of several remarks that irked the First Lady. “The connections appear extensive and profound.” Whatever you do, avoid repeating these claims—they could really irritate Melania.

“Miss Palestine” makes her debut at the Miss Universe 2025 Beauty Contest

While I’m not particularly fond of beauty pageants, it’s crucial to have Palestinian representation on the global stage amidst the ongoing genocide. “I carry the voices of those who refuse to be silenced,” stated contestant Nadeen Ayoub. “We are more than our suffering; we embody resilience, hope, and the heartbeat of our homeland, which will continue to thrive through us.”

In a troubling move, the court aims to overturn landmark same-sex marriage rulings

Former county clerk Kim Davis, who gained notoriety for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Kentucky, has made a direct plea for the conservative majority of the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 ruling that granted marriage equality to same-sex couples. Davis is deeply concerned about the sanctity of marriage, despite having been married four times to three different men.

Leonardo DiCaprio, at 50, feels 32

The actor, known for dating much younger women, has faced ruthless mockery for this. He also maintains the image of an environmental activist, despite drawing scrutiny while partnering on luxury eco-certified hotels in Israel amidst the Gaza crisis.

“Sexual reversal” is surprisingly frequent among birds, reveals a new Australian study

“This discovery is likely to raise eyebrows,” stated Blanche Capel, a biologist at Duke University who wasn’t involved in the research. She told Science, “While sex determination is often viewed as a straightforward process, the reality is much more nuanced.”

Pawtriarchy Week

Tourist hotspots in Indonesia have become infamous as monkeys turn into thieves. These furry bandits snatch mobile phones and other valuables from tourists, returning them only in exchange for tasty treats. Researchers studying these monkeys over years concluded that unreformed thieves exhibit “unprecedented economic decision-making skills.” They could practically belong in the Trump administration.

Source: www.theguardian.com

How Video Games Nurture Romance – One Level at a Time | Gaming

LAST week on Radio 4’s Women’s Time, we delved into the role of women in the gaming industry. We showcased insights from Game Insiders and eSports presenters like Franc Keywords, and highlighted the inclusive online community Black Girl Gamers. It was refreshing to hear varied expert opinions on gaming culture throughout the episode.

One of the highlights was when presenter Nuala McGovern shared listener responses to the question: “Why play video games?” One listener noted, “I think they don’t entirely grasp that gaming is a couple’s activity.” They explained how their shared passion for gaming, particularly during their honeymoon playing Borderlands 2 while saving for a home, brought them closer together.

I found this particularly striking since I have a friend who met their partner through gaming, and many couples view it as a richer and more immersive experience than simply watching a series together. I’ve lost count of how many couples enjoy navigating survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill together, despite their single-player nature. Facing scary scenarios allows them to bond, reducing fear while exploring eerie environments. The act of passing the controller can feel like sharing intimate gifts.


An elaborate dating site… Final Fantasy XIV.

Moreover, playing games with a partner reveals new dimensions of their character and abilities. You might discover your partner’s knack for solving spatial puzzles or their determination in facing challenges. This knowledge is invaluable—much like understanding how you both tackle assembling IKEA furniture. Recently, I learned about using video games for child therapy, and one counselor, Ellie Finch, is even considering employing Minecraft for couples therapy. The task of building a simple house together could reveal interpersonal dynamics more effectively than a lengthy conversation.

There’s a sense of romance in exploring new worlds together, getting lost, and merging skills to navigate challenges. The sweetness of escaping into shared experiences in games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing is matched by the intellectual engagement found in titles like Blue Prince or Split Fiction. For too long, gaming was stereotyped as a pastime for lonely young men, but now it’s accessible to everyone, opening up digital spaces for connection. Many are now utilizing online games like Final Fantasy XIV and GTA as vibrant dating platforms. Real-life relationships are blossoming through gaming. These games can eliminate many barriers that traditional dating poses, such as costs and the awkwardness of meeting strangers. They serve as unique arenas that encourage romance.

I genuinely hope that as this generation ages, they continue to game together. I can envision them sharing stories with their grandchildren about the stunning virtual home they built in Super Mario Maker, or a digital scrapbook they created in The Sims. There’s so much to discuss when playfulness thrives within gaming.

What to Play


A small fun… Neo Geo Super Pocket. Photo: Blaze Entertainment

Last year, we reviewed the Blaze Entertainment Super Pocket, a quirky handheld device for playing cartridge-based retro games. Now, there’s something new: the Super Pocket Neo Geo Edition. Sporting its classic black and gold design, this device is inspired by the iconic 1990 console from SNK. It boasts 14 Neo Geo titles, including cherished classics like Metal Slug X and the Fatal Fury fighting games, along with hidden gems like the delightful beat-‘em-up Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy and Mutation Nation. The Super Pocket is also compatible with all cartridges designed for Blaze’s Evercade console, providing access to a vast array of iconic retro games.

Available at: Super Pocket Console
Estimated playtime: Endless nostalgic hours

What to Read


There is nothing new under the sun… the Shadow of the Colossus. Photo: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • I came across a recent Japanese interview with Fumito Ueda, the designer of ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. His assertion is that developers focus less on creating new mechanics, placing more emphasis on existing designs and aesthetics. It’s a bold claim, reminiscent of Francis Fukuyama’s “The End of History.”

  • Valve has reportedly removed Adult Games from Steam due to pressure from credit card companies. An Australian group called Collective Shout recently published a letter to payment processors like PayPal and MasterCard, claiming that some games available digitally depict child abuse and incest. The reactions from Steam users have been noteworthy.

  • It’s surprising to learn about Nintendo’s low employee turnover. According to data shared by the gaming site GoNintendo, the average tenure of Japanese staff is about four years, while others in different offices average between eight and a half to ten years. It’s heartening to see that amid industry pressures, at least one major player knows how to nurture its workforce.

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What to Click

Question Block


It’s reminiscent of Silent Hill… Shepton Mallet Prison. Photo: Keith Stuart/Guardian

This question comes from Jamie via email:

“I recently visited Orford Ness, a National Trust site in Suffolk, which was heavily used by the Ministry of Defense in the 20th century. It struck me how much it resembled our last game, especially with elements reminiscent of Atom Fall. The whole experience felt like it could be a level in a video game, minus the zombies. Have you been to a place that felt like being in a game? Would you recommend it?”

That’s an excellent question! First off, Holly Gramagio, a game developer and author, recommends the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker for its quintessential Cold War vibes, evoking thoughts of secret bases or Umbrella labs. Last year, I spent the night exploring Shepton Mallet Prison, which felt eerily similar to levels in Silent Hill. This location is open to the public and hosts sleepovers. If you’re looking for something grander, consider visiting Kedleston Hall in Derby, the inspiration behind Croft Manor in the Tomb Raider series, or the stunning Milan Cathedral, rich in Gothic architecture, shadowy corners, and intricate carvings that influenced Dark Souls. I also recommend visiting the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which certainly feels like a magnificent adventure game. Lastly, if you’re a fan of GTA V, a visit to Los Angeles is a must. The skyline, mountainous areas, and expansive neighborhoods at sunset are nothing short of surreal and provide an open-world experience like no other.

If you have any questions or comments about the newsletter, please reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ministry Time Review: An Amazing Time Travel Novel Blending Thriller and Romance

John Franklin’s Fateful Ship Erebus: A 19th Century Painting, Confined to Ice

Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy

Time Saving
Kaliane Bradley (scepter (UK); A Dedicated Leader Press (US)

Reading various novels for work can sometimes be challenging, especially when you want to find something captivating. However, Time Saving by Kaliane Bradley instantly drew me in with its engaging prologue. It was a brief glimpse into the life of a man sprinting through the snow, hearing his ship signal him. This offered plenty of intrigue for what was to come.

This month’s selection for the New Scientist Book Club has been a resounding success since its release last year. The narrative follows a young civil servant who unexpectedly applies for a mysterious position involving time travel, a concept kept under wraps, allowing individuals from the past to journey to the present.

These “visitors” require support, which is where our unnamed heroine comes in as a caretaker, dubbed a “bridge.” She is assigned to Commander Graham Gore, living with him and assisting him in adjusting to modern life.

New Scientist Book Club

Do you enjoy reading? Join a welcoming community of fellow book enthusiasts. Every six weeks, we delve into exciting new titles, providing members with free access to excerpts from the book, author articles, and video interviews.

This is not solely a narrative about time travel; it meticulously explores whether the government would permit time travelers to integrate into society alongside civil servants. The novel confidently posits that, for this reader, it could have crafted Sally without delving into excessive particulars.

One of the intriguing aspects of the story is that Gore is rooted in reality, having been a genuine figure that many remain unaware of. He was the first officer of John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition to the Arctic and met his demise around 1847 or 1848. While the specifics of his final hours remain uncertain, the novel takes a creative approach by transporting him to contemporary London just before his death.

Modern London is full of men from the lost world. But Gore is a resilient and capable officer.

Bradley’s depiction of Gore exemplifies the art of storytelling. She brings him to life with such precision that he appears as a tangible, charismatic individual—rarely do we encounter characters so vividly portrayed in literature.

The vibrant interaction between our young bureaucrat and this spirited officer of the Colonial Royal Navy unfolds within the context of a future version of London, where many individuals from the past now inhabit. Once again, Gore’s resilience shines, highlighting that he is adaptable, making for the most enjoyable segments of the narrative where they learn from one another.

The plot transitions from romance to thriller, composing about 40% sci-fi, 40% romantic comedy, and 20% thriller. I found the initial segment significantly more engaging, though I questioned whether the thriller conclusion would hold up. However, this does not overshadow the fact that the book offers a delightful reading experience, perfect for those looking for fun.

At the conclusion of the novel, Bradley includes a photograph of Gore. Having grown fond of his fictional counterpart, it was a poignant moment to connect with the real historical figure. According to Bradley’s PostScript, he was regarded as “a remarkably fine officer with a kind temperament.”

This beloved, memorable officer represents a captivating twist in history that deserves a place in a bestselling novel nearly two centuries later. Bradley has undoubtedly fashioned a most endearing hero.

New Scientist Book Club
Time Saving is our latest selection. Sign up here: NewsCientist.com/bookclub

I recommend Emily as well…

The Persian Boy
Maryle Noh (Virago Modern Classics)

While this is not science fiction, it resurrects another historical character—Alexander the Great—through the perspective of Bagoa, a young Persian boy in bondage. For me, this book, along with its precursor, provides all I need to know about Alexander.

Emily H. Wilson is the former editor of New Scientist and the author of the Sumerian trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The series’ final installment, Ninshuval, will be released in August. Connect with her at emilyhwilson.com or follow her on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1

The Arts and Science of Writing Science Fiction

Dive into the realm of science fiction and learn how to craft your own captivating stories in this immersive weekend getaway.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

GTA 6 Delivers: Will the Notorious Cynical Action Series Finally Embrace Romance?

something exciting is coming to Grand Theft Auto Universe next year. This isn’t just about stunning graphics or uncharted territories in Rockstar’s version of the US; it goes much deeper. If you caught the recently released second trailer for GTA6, it was unveiled mercilessly just days after the announcement that the game won’t be available until May next year. What’s new is romance.

The main characters in this latest gangster saga are Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, two young lovers from rough backgrounds. He’s a former attire turned drug runner, while she’s just out of prison and determined to create a better life for herself and her beloved mother. Their paths cross as they devise plans to escape their gritty surroundings. However, when a seemingly straightforward robbery takes a dangerous turn, they find themselves entangled in a sprawling criminal conspiracy. If Rockstar is telling a love story, you can bet it includes an Underworld Kingpin, gang members, conspiracy theorists, and a horrifying array of corrupt politicians.




Slazy Rider…Grand Theft Auto 6. Illustration: Rockstar Game

But how do writers create a couple that resonates with the series’ tone and lore? Traditionally, it has focused on deeply flawed, solitary characters like the PTSD-afflicted veteran Nico Bellic and the volatile Trevor Phillips. There was a brief romantic subplot in previous games—Mercedes Cortes, CJ’s short affair, the entanglements of Catalina in San Andreas, and the flirtations woven throughout Tommy Vercetti’s escapades. Even Trevor’s odd interactions with Patrice in GTA5 featured sparse love stories filled with Stockholm syndrome. Yet, in these narratives, emotional dynamics often took a backseat to violent heists and adrenaline-fueled car chases. The GTA universe has been largely nihilistic, emphasizing individualism often accompanied by a façade of camaraderie before brutal betrayal. However, the new GTA trailer hints at a fresh integrity. “Rather than superficial fantasies, Lucia is prepared to seize control. A life with Jason could lead her to new horizons.”

Writers still look to cinema for inspiration. With its themes of violence and luxury cars under the sun, Vice City drew from Scarface and Miami Vice. GTA: San Andreas channeled the cinematic essence of early ’90s South Central LA through films by John Singleton and the Hughes brothers. GTA 4 took cues from French crime dramas and Russian gangster films. Already, GTA6 is drawing comparisons to Bonnie and Clyde, another tale of troubled lovers willing to risk everything for love. Yet, Rockstar seems to have delved deeper, studying the true romance depicted in Sam Peckinpah’s classics and Terrence Malick’s Badlands—a story of a thrilling but ultimately discontent couple. Even Natural Born Killers may provide surreal inspiration for this new arc.

Regardless, this is timely. With all its satire and moral ambiguity, GTA titles have often lacked subtlety. Relationship dynamics have traditionally been tied to the honor code of dysfunctional families and the hypermasculine gangland ethos. This series has never featured a female lead protagonist until now. We’re witnessing the emergence of new dynamics.

Perhaps GTA will approach romance similarly to how it has explored friendship in the past. Take Roman and Nico in GTA 4, who embody contrasts of darkness and violence alongside meaningful risks. Expect minimal player influence in the relationship’s development since GTA isn’t a strict role-playing adventure. Story progression hinges more on actions rather than dialogue. However, I’m curious about what the writers have observed about human behavior from the increasingly popular multiplayer spinoff, GTA Online, where dedicated role-playing servers have fostered virtual relationships.

In any case, I’m rooting for Lucia and Jason. They represent some of the most intriguing characters we’ve seen in the series—already generating buzz online as fans have shipped them. While Rockstar’s art team typically depicts characters as reflections of internal decay, these two are undeniably attractive and share a strong chemistry. Perhaps Rockstar recognizes that the current state of the world—and perhaps our desires—yearns for genuine romantic connection. Next May, expect both love and bullets to fly.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Top Podcast of the Week: Esther Perel’s Ode to Romance

RDust off your cream polo shirts and put away those Bruce Springsteen football chants whose lyrics have absolutely no relation to reality. Euro 2024 is over. Apart from the actual football (which is probably the best), this is a total first for the tournament. The level of interest in what actually happened on the pitch was easily rivalled by the debate over the pundit podcast commentary.

Well, maybe “expert commentary” isn’t the exact word to use, considering Gary Lineker made a lot of headlines when he said England’s match against Denmark was “terrible”. The rest is soccerBut it was worth noting that the podcast caused a furor (albeit one that relied on out-of-context quotes) culminating in the England captain being cornered at a press conference. There were articles trying to create a “Battle of the Garrys” pitting Lineker’s podcast against Gary Neville’s. There were also articles analysing how much money was being made from making nasty comments about England into people’s earpieces (imagine that! Being paid to be an honest pundit about bad football!).

This time, what was happening on the Euro 2024 podcast was more interesting than what was happening at Euro 2024. And as podcasts grow, the importance of shows about soccer tournaments will become more prominent. Maybe the next England manager’s goal is to build a team that’s more entertaining than what you can listen to on Spotify. It might be harder than they think…

In other podcast news, this week we have some truly outlandish stories, including members of ZZ Top impersonating another band for money and an extortion plot involving Charlie Sheen’s former bodyguard. We also have the second season of a fantastic show introducing us to a London life coach who convinced a number of women to betray their families, and inspiring people who tried to make a difference in the early days of the AIDS epidemic.

Alexi Duggins
Deputy TV Editor

This week’s picks




(Real) zombies. Photo: Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy

The truth about fake zombies
Widely available, with weekly episodes
In 1969, St. Albans-based band The Zombies had a hit single in the US and began playing gigs around the country. But they’d split up years earlier, never known success, and never really toured. This show is both a fanboy homage and a deep dive into how two separate groups (including two members of ZZ Top) ruthlessly pretended to be The Zombies for money. It’s a vibrant slice of pop history set against the backdrop of a wild story. Alexi Duggins

Eric’s Problem

Widely available, with weekly episodes

The lawyer who defended Matthew McConaughey after he was caught playing the bongos naked at 2 a.m. An FBI informant. Charlie Sheen’s former bodyguard. There’s a wealthy Texan who was the target of blackmail for having an affair with an escort, and who ended up spiraling out of control and leaving two people dead. advertisement

Dangerous memories

Tortoise, weekly episodes

Welcome to the dark side of healing. This podcast delves into the world of upper-class young women in London who all turn to the same “self-help coach.” But as Grace Hughes-Hallett discovers, a pattern soon emerged in which these women were turning their backs on their families. Holly Richardson

Resurrection: Early Heroes

Widely available, with weekly episodes

The second season of Dane Stewart’s podcast focuses on pioneers who tried to make a difference in the early days of the AIDS epidemic but were thwarted by prejudice. It’s fascinating to hear the story of Dr. Joseph Sonnabend, who cured the mysterious disease that was affecting gay men in New York at the time. Hannah Verdier

Esther Perel:
Arc of Love

Widely available, with weekly episodes

Super psychotherapist Esther Perel has compiled some of her best observations about love with beach listening in mind. She sits down with couples in therapy as they air their feelings about big questions about love, including dilemmas around polyamory, reproduction, and divorce. Perel’s thought-provoking questions will get you into the therapy room, and her wise asides will take you out of it. HV

There is a podcast




Kathy Burke, host of “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake.” Photo: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com