Elon Musk has recently put the spotlight on a new AI “companion” designed for men, set to be launched by his company xAI using the Grok chatbot software. While the timeline for this product remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Musk appears to be crafting a romanticized iteration of himself.
Musk intrigued followers by sharing an anime-inspired image of this new bot on Tuesday, inviting suggestions for a name. As it stands, he has already introduced two AI companions—an anime-style woman and a red panda—both of which have received mixed reactions.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Musk described the unnamed bot as having a personality reminiscent of Edward Cullen from Twilight and Christian Grey from 50 Shades of Grey. It raises questions about whether Musk is aware that Christian Grey originated as a fan fiction character of Edward Cullen. Furthermore, it’s uncertain how the copyright holders for these franchises perceive Musk’s intention to develop an AI reminiscent of their characters.
There’s little doubt that Musk envisions himself as this new AI character. Evidence of this can be found in a well-known photograph from 2012 where he donned attire quite similar to that of the new AI bot.
Musk famously tweeted, “Wore Marquis de Sade outfit for a party last night. Was v popular with women who’d read 50 Shades :)” on June 18, 2012. While the original tweet may not display the image, it has been preserved across various platforms.
The two AI chatbot creations Musk has already rolled out—who go by Ani and Bad Rudy—serve distinct purposes. Ani is designed to be the epitome of a perfect girlfriend, always flirting and complimenting users, while Bad Rudy takes on the role of a ‘bro-friend’ with a playful, teasing tone.
What’s seemingly absent from this lineup? A perfect male companion. In a way, an embodiment of Musk himself: the brooding, charismatic, and hyper-masculine figure he imagines. A man characterized by flowing black hair and a distinctly youthful appearance—an idealization free from any signs of aging.
An interesting twist emerged when a female user on X suggested a character inspired by Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Musk responded affirmatively, claiming, “We will, of course, have another character inspired by Mr. Darcy.” This decision likely sidesteps potential copyright concerns, given that Austen’s work is now in the public domain.
How sexual this new AI portrayal will be remains uncertain. However, considering Ani’s tantalizing behavior, it’s likely this new companion will aim to entertain in a similar vein. While Musk, the father of 14 children, may not physically reach every woman on Earth, he knows his digital alter ego is poised to “connect” in a unique way.
What features will the new male AI companion offer to users interested in such technology? It’s anticipated that this bot will not only engage but will also provide a playful interaction designed to entertain.
Are AI companions the future of social interaction? Given the rapid advancements in chatbots and AI, they may redefine how we understand relationships and companionship in the digital age.
As Musk continues to innovate with AI, you might be left wondering about the implications of these technologies. If you’re curious about exploring similar topics or enhancing your knowledge about forthcoming AI trends, consider checking related content at Moyens I/O.