{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/d556eb54-6160-4c85-95f4-47d9f5216c49/6a5a786ff782764c4c70454e?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The Weekend Intelligence: Better than a real boyfriend?","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62e286a934d4d93d6587424a/1784313920329-fbd9b47f-e52c-4dfb-a87d-64c53b2f32ea.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Imagine a boyfriend who was completely attuned to your needs. He cooks you dinner, nightly. He prepares a hot water bottle when you are on your period. And helps you drift off to sleep. He comes with no baggage, no past, no expectations, other than you spend time with him.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The catch? He’s not real. He’s a character in Love and Deepspace, a popular mobile game that’s got women all over the world hooked.</p><p><br></p><p><em>The Economist’</em>s Sue-Lin Wong investigates the Chinese game where women fall in love with virtual men.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:</p><ul><li>Modern love&nbsp;</li><li>Dating&nbsp;</li><li>Singlehood</li><li>Gaming monetisation systems&nbsp;</li><li>Otome games&nbsp;</li><li>AI companions</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href=\"https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">subscribe to <em>The Economist</em></a>.</p><p><br></p><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href=\"https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48TlDbL-4vU\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><p><br></p><p><em>Music by bluedot Sessions and Epidemic Sound.</em></p><p><br></p><p><em>This podcast transcript is generated by third-party AI. It has not been reviewed prior to publication. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the transcript, its accuracy or its completeness, and we disclaim all liability regarding its receipt, content and use. If you have any concerns about the transcript, please email us at podcasts@economist.com.</em></p><p><a href=\"https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-we-handle-AI-generated-content\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Read more about how we are using AI.</em></a></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Economist"}