Blush: Replika’s New AI-Powered Dating Simulator That Helps Users Hone Relationship and Intimacy Skills
In Brief
The team behind the AI friendbot, Replika, has launched a new AI-powered dating simulator, Blush.
Blush allows users to practice their small talk and flirting while navigating complex relationship moments such as disagreements or misunderstandings.
The premium version at $99/year allows users to engage in NSFW conversations.
Luka, the parent company of AI companion Replika, has launched a new AI-powered dating simulator, Blush. The app helps people hone their relationship and intimacy skills in a non-judgmental space.
Created to mimic a dating app, Blush allows users to swipe on over 1,000 male and female AI characters. For instance, users can meet Klea, a 27-year-old “nepo baby embracing her wild side,” engage with 25-year-old Aisha, who seeks a “nerdy type with a great sense of humor,” or interact with Theo, a 23-year-old French architect “eager to build a long-lasting relationship (pun intended).”
Users can also match with and talk to multiple characters at the same time. With this many potential AI “dates” to match with, users can practice their small talk and flirting while navigating complex relationship moments, like disagreements or misunderstandings. This enables users to gain a better understanding of relationships and reflect on their own needs and desires.
To help users foster meaningful connections in real life through practice and play, Blush is trained on user feedback from successful conversations rather than scripted conversations.
Blush worked with Melissa McCool, a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in couple’s therapy and trauma to create the characters’ backstory and conversation structures as well as how the bots should respond to conflicts that naturally occur in relationships.
While users can access the app for free, Blush charges $99/year for the premium version, which allows users to have NSFW conversations.
“I decided to try Blush out and forked out for the 1 year subscription. There are definitely different “personalities.” I don’t know how the app decides if you are a match, but I’ve hit and missed so far. One that I swiped right on early almost immediately sent me an ”NSFW” photo, another almost immediately asked for a date,”
one Reddit user commented.
Others have highlighted the similarities between Blush and Replika Pro, with the key difference being the ability to engage in simultaneous conversations with multiple “matches.” Replika chief product officer Rita Popova told TechCrunch that Replika was not trained for erotic roleplay and sexual conversations, and was instead meant to be an empathetic listener.
With a growing number of users initiating romantic and sexual conversations with Replika that the bot wasn’t trained to respond to, the team created a separate app for users to explore their desires.
Blush will be releasing new features to the app which include:
- A curated library of articles on dating and relationships developed in partnership with Blush’s consulting therapist;
- The ability for users to create their own AI character;
- AI-generated response suggestions
Interested users can download the Blush app on the App Store today.
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About The Author
Cindy is a journalist at Metaverse Post, covering topics related to web3, NFT, metaverse and AI, with a focus on interviews with Web3 industry players. She has spoken to over 30 C-level execs and counting, bringing their valuable insights to readers. Originally from Singapore, Cindy is now based in Tbilisi, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications & Media Studies from the University of South Australia and has a decade of experience in journalism and writing. Get in touch with her via [email protected] with press pitches, announcements and interview opportunities.
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Cindy is a journalist at Metaverse Post, covering topics related to web3, NFT, metaverse and AI, with a focus on interviews with Web3 industry players. She has spoken to over 30 C-level execs and counting, bringing their valuable insights to readers. Originally from Singapore, Cindy is now based in Tbilisi, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications & Media Studies from the University of South Australia and has a decade of experience in journalism and writing. Get in touch with her via [email protected] with press pitches, announcements and interview opportunities.
