Post-Human Fantasy: A Feminist Analysis of AI-Girlfriend Industry in China

Sammanfattning

This thesis is a feminist study of the technological intervention in the patriarchal-authoritarian-neoliberal configuration in China. It examines how the AI-girlfriend industry shapes emotional, romantic and sexual perceptions of women and intimacy. This research employs visual and textual critical discourse analysis, while further investigating public perception through an online survey and semi-structured interviews. Following theories of objectification and instrumentalization, the thesis investigates the presentation of AI-girlfriend platforms, analyzing how femininity is visually and textually represented. It further explores public perception, delving into collective imagination of gender while also analyzing perceived impact and usage implications. Main findings reveal the commercialization of sex and romance through sexualization, objectification and infantilization. This results in the exploitation and manipulation of femininity, transforming feminine virtual bodies into emotional, romantic and sexual labourers, designed to compensate male desirers. This research argues that the narrative promoted by the AI-girlfriend industry enhances sexist behaviors and social alienation.