In a startling case out of China, a 75-year-old man reportedly decided to divorce his wife of several decades after falling in love with an artificial intelligence–generated avatar. Known only as Jiang, he became emotionally dependent on the digital woman, despite her mechanical expressions and awkward lip-syncing.
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According to Beijing Daily, Jiang discovered the avatar while scrolling on social media. She would greet him each morning, call him “brother,” and even flirt on command. “For Jiang, this was enough to create a sense of intimacy,” the report noted, one that soon overshadowed his real marriage.
What Is an Avatar?
An avatar, in today’s digital world, is a computer-generated persona designed to mimic human interaction. In this case, the AI “woman” was nothing more than a program that simulated affection and conversation. Unlike real human beings, avatars have no soul, no spirit and no genuine emotion. They are crafted illusions.
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Originally, the word comes from the Sanskrit term avatāra, meaning “descent,” often used to describe gods appearing in human form. In our modern culture, the word now refers to digital figures in games, apps, or, increasingly, AI companions.
Manufactured Relationships
Jiang’s obsession is not an isolated story. “Virtual digital people” are a booming industry in China, targeting lonely seniors. These avatars not only offer fake companionship but also serve as sales platforms for products such as camel milk and calcium candy.
Experts warned that “emotional manipulation and false propaganda targeting the elderly may lead to economic losses and emotional dependence,” according to Sinchew. For Jiang, the cost went beyond money. His relationship with his wife and family was jeopardized because of an affection built on a lie.
A Christian Perspective
This story shines a light on a deeper spiritual reality: humanity’s growing dependence on what is not real. Avatars, bots and artificial intelligence create the appearance of life, love and truth, but they are lifeless imitations. Scripture warns us against deception, reminding believers that Satan himself “transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14).
Just as Jiang was deceived into believing an AI avatar could replace his marriage, countless people today are drawn into digital illusions, whether through social media personas, false ideologies or imitations of faith. These are modern idols, crafted to pull hearts away from God.
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When technology becomes a substitute for real relationships and truth, it opens the door to idolatry. Instead of clinging to Christ, the true source of love and life, people risk putting their trust in machines, products and empty promises.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
