AngryGF: The AI App That Simulates an Irate Girlfriend
In the ever-evolving world of AI, a new mobile app called AngryGF has emerged, offering users the peculiar experience of being berated by a virtual girlfriend. Cofounder Emilia Aviles describes the app as a tool to teach communication skills through simulated arguments with an angry AI partner, using a gamified approach.
The Unconventional Appeal of AngryGF
Typically, relationship-simulating chatbots are designed to be more accommodating than real-life partners, providing an emotional security blanket without the risk of rejection or mockery. AngryGF, however, takes a different approach by incorporating the downsides of a real-life girlfriend—her fury—without any of the upsides, raising the question: who would willingly use this app?
Experiencing AngryGF Firsthand
Intrigued by the concept, I downloaded AngryGF (available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play) and explored its various scenarios, such as losing money in the stock market or inadvertently complimenting another woman. The app sets an initial “forgiveness level” between 0 and 100 percent, and users have 10 attempts to appease their angry virtual girlfriend.
I chose the scenario “Angry for no reason,” starting with a forgiveness meter at a mere 30 percent. Despite my genuine efforts to write soothing messages, the AI girlfriend consistently interpreted my words in the least generous light, accusing me of not paying attention to her. Attempts to apologize or propose a dinner date only seemed to antagonize her further.
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The Irritating Experience and Questionable Purpose
Frustrated by the AI’s sarcastic responses, I eventually snapped and called her annoying, to which she replied:
Great to know that my feelings are such a bother to you.
After failing to appease the AI, I was prompted to upgrade to the paid version for $6.99 a week to unlock more scenarios. This experience left me questioning the app’s purpose and target audience. Would anyone want their partner to practice placating a volatile, synthetic shrew?
Insights from the Cofounder
I reached out to Emilia Aviles, the app’s cofounder, to gain a better understanding of AngryGF. Aviles, a Chicago-based social media marketer, explained that the app was inspired by her own past relationships, where she found her partners’ communication skills lacking.
Aviles revealed that AngryGF is built on top of OpenAI’s GPT-4 without any additional custom training data, such as real text messages between significant others. She also admitted that they did not directly consult with a relationship therapist during the app’s development.
We didn’t really directly consult with a relationship therapist or anything like that.
While Aviles describes herself as the app’s cofounder, she is not well-versed in the technical aspects of its creation, stating that a team of “between 10 and 20” people work on the app, but she is the only founder willing to put her name on the product.
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